Romney Says No to Third Presidential Run

When it comes to presidential politics and former MA Gov. Mitt Romney, the third time’s not the charm after all.

Romney, according to the New York Times and other media outlets, has decided not to run for president in 2016 after all.

A long-time political advisor to Romney has also privately confirmed the press reports to Patch that he would not be a candidate.

On a conference call to a small group of advisors, Romney reportedly told them that he thought it was best not to run, which would give other leaders in the party the opportunity to have a shot at the nomination.

Talk Show host Hugh Hewitt appears to have been the first media outlet to break the news, posting a full statement on his website this morning that Romney reportedly plans on offering to supporters later today.

Romney, who is a part-time New Hampshire resident, had been telling people for months that he would not run a third time and then, late last year, appeared to change his mind after a speech in New York to potential Republican donors.

During the past few weeks, he had struck a more populist theme than in the past, discussing poverty issues in the United States while other candidates like U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-SC, also began to emerge into the field that is already packed with 15 to 20 potential candidates that includes U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, NJ Chris Christie, who will be in Concord in a few weeks for a keynote speech, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, former NY Gov. George Pataki, and former FL Gov. Jeb Bush.

On the Democratic side, for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton appears to be gearing up for another run while activists are currently in New Hampshire attempting to organize a Draft Elizabeth Warren movement. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-VT, and former MD Gov. Martin O’Malley may also be candidates. O’Malley will also be visiting the First-in-the-Nation primary state next month, according to reports.