Exclusive: Mitt Romney planning to run for Senate if Orrin Hatch retires

Sources tell UtahPolicy.com that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is preparing to run for Senate in 2018 if Sen. Orrin Hatch decides to retire.

Sources close to Romney say the two-time presidential candidate will jump into the 2018 Utah Senate scrum if Hatch opts not to.

So far, Hatch has not made up his mind as to whether he'll run for an eighth term in 2018. He has previously said he was planning on running as long as his and his wife's health holds up.

Dave Hansen, a longtime political advisor to Hatch, told UtahPolicy.com last month that he didn't expect Hatch to decide on his political future until October. However, sources now tell UtahPolicy.com that Hatch may not make up his mind until December.

Hatch's reticence to make a definitive announcement is preventing other candidates from getting in the race, but Romney has the financial resources to mount a campaign no matter when Hatch decides.

Rep. Chris Stewart also has said he would like to jump into the race if Hatch decides against running for an eighth term next year.

A UtahPolicy.com poll shows Romney would be in great shape to win a Senate race against Democrat Jenny Wilson. Romney pulls 64% of the vote to Wilson's 26%. The poll shows Stewart would only be ahead of Wilson 34-30, but that's likely due to Stewart being less familiar to Utah voters.

Earlier this year Hatch said he would be willing to step aside if an "outstanding person" like Mitt Romney were to run for the seat he currently holds.