By Alan Rappeport

Republican Rivals Shower Praise on Romney Upon His Exit

By
Alan Rappeport
Mitt Romney accepting the party's presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention in 2012. Damon Winter/The New York Times

The bickering among potential rivals for the Republican presidential nomination was becoming increasingly tense in recent weeks, but after Mitt Romney announced Friday that he would not be making a third run for the White House, there was nothing but praise.

Jeb Bush was quick to write on Facebook that Mr. Romney was a “patriot” and said that he looked forward to working with him in the future to bring better opportunities to Americans.

“Columba and I wish Mitt, Ann and their entire family the very best,” Mr. Bush said, referring to his wife and Mr. Romney’s.

Senator Marco Rubio of Florida said that Mr. Romney had “certainly earned the right to consider running,” but that he respected Mr. Romney’s decision to give the next generation of Republicans a chance to lead.

“Over the past two years, there hasn’t been a day when I didn’t think that Mitt Romney would have been a better president than Barack Obama,” Mr. Rubio said.

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, a Tea Party favorite who said last year that Republicans did not need another Mitt Romney representing them, praised Mr. Romney’s years of public service and said he would “continue to be a respected leader having a positive impact on our national discourse.”

And Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has teased Mr. Romney’s repeated efforts to win the presidency by wondering if the third time would be the charm, also wished him the best.