Make way for Mitt? Orrin Hatch announces intent to retire at the end of his Senate term; Update: Romney responds

Orrin Hatch has been a GOP senator for more than four decades — and apparently, he’s had enough:

An announcement from Senator Orrin G. Hatch. #utpol pic.twitter.com/UeItaLjR3j

— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) January 2, 2018

JUST IN: Long-serving Senator Orrin Hatch announces he is retiring at the end of this term: "Every good fighter knows when to hang up the gloves."

— Evan McMurry (@evanmcmurry) January 2, 2018

There you have it.

Down the Hatch

— Jim Antle (@jimantle) January 2, 2018

So, what’s next?

Orrin Hatch is retiring at the end of this term, possibly leading to Mitt Romney running for Senate https://t.co/KAqNK7gqlE

— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) January 2, 2018

Think Romney’s interested?

Raise your hand if you're looking forward to Senator @MittRomney! ✋ https://t.co/4IYmJt50hf

— John Bremer (@JohnBremer) January 2, 2018

"It's on, Utah." pic.twitter.com/6xZuL7uKVR

— Jay Caruso (@JayCaruso) January 2, 2018

https://twitter.com/lachlan/status/948270053430059009

Editor’s note: This post has been updated with an additional tweet.

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Update:

I join the people of Utah in thanking my friend, Senator Orrin Hatch for his more than forty years of service to our great state and nation. Read my full statement: https://t.co/YwjUpjez5y

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) January 2, 2018

So, that’s not a no, then …