Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, has strong ties to Utah, where his mother grew up and where he now resides. | Getty McConnell: I've talked to Romney about replacing Hatch

Mitch McConnell said Friday that he has talked with Mitt Romney about running for the Utah Senate seat now held by Orrin Hatch. But the Senate majority leader made clear that Hatch would have his full support for any reelection bid.

Hatch is leaving only the tiniest window to opt out of running for a new six-year term in 2018 at the age of 84. And Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, is said to be interested in a Senate run only if Hatch, a personal friend, decides to step aside.


"I've had some conversations with Mitt Romney" about a Utah Senate run, McConnell told reporters Friday. "Obviously, I'm an Orrin Hatch supporter. And Orrin has to decide what he wants to do. If he wants to run again, I'm for him."

Hatch later told POLITICO that his decision — for now — is to stay in the Senate, where he is the longest-serving Republican.

"Right now, I intend to run, but it's two years away," Hatch said. "So we'll see."

Romney is "not going to run as long as I am," Hatch added. "He's a very close friend. But if I were to withdraw or decide not to run, I couldn't think of a better person."

While Hatch has previously suggested that he might forgo reelection if Romney could be his successor, he sounded more committed to a run on Friday.

"I've basically decided that I am" running for reelection, Hatch said.

Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, has strong ties to Utah, where his mother grew up and where he now resides.