Though the first contests will not take place in early voting states for a year, Romney’s swerve, announced on a conference call with supporters on Friday, is the most important moment yet in the nascent GOP contest. It removes the prospect of a bruising battle for big establishment donor cash and moderate, right of center, Republican primary voters between Romney, the 2012 nominee and Bush, heir to a dynastic political machine.
“I think it is hard to argue that today’s news did not help Gov. Bush,” said Matt Moore, chairman of the Republican Party in South Carolina, which holds one of the crucial early voting primaries next year.
Bush sent the Republican race into overdrive with his sudden announcement last month that he was actively exploring a run for president. Since then, he has been flying around the nation in an apparent bid to put up a formidable “shock and awe” early fundraising number to define the contest in his favor.
Though Bush is seen as leading establishment Republicans, Romney’s decision could improve New Jersey Gov. Christie’s hopes of financing a long campaign.
“Today’s news certainly does re-open the fight for donors. I know many donors had been frozen in recent weeks, taking a ‘wait and see’ approach,” said Moore. “There’s a finite amount of money that can be raised — so every candidate benefits.”
Kevin Madden, a one-time adviser to Romney who is now a CNN commentator, said his former boss’s decision opened up an early trial of strength between Christie and Bush.
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Even a month ago, no one thought that Romney, who twice ran for president and lost, could find a rationale to underpin another shot.
But in three frenzied weeks, Romney, apparently disdaining the quality of the crowded GOP race, and bumped into a swift decision by Bush’s early move, appeared to be about to jump in. Bush had previously effectively forced out another possible establishment candidate Sen. Rob Portman, by getting into the race.
Romney traveled to California to headline the Republican National Committee’s winter meeting, and stoked speculation by consulting former staffers and party heavyweights about a possible run.
For now, most of those close to Romney believe he will resume his role as the de-facto leader of the party until a nominee emerges, speaking out on key issues.
“You’ll see him do what he’s already been doing post-2012 — be someone that stands up to President Obama, speaks the truth when the opportunity calls,” Merrill said.
CNN’s Erin McPike contributed to this story
