Utah U.S. Senator Mike Lee reportedly will not endorse the state’s senior U.S. Senator, Orrin Hatch.
Mr. Lee, who was elected to office just months ago, revealed last week he would not endorse Mr. Hatch’s bid for re-election in 2012. The comment comes as Mr. Hatch faces the likelihood an intra-party challenge at convention or in a primary runoff.
“It’s not my intention to support any candidate until the democratic process has had a chance to play itself out in Utah,” Mr. Lee said Friday.
The comment increases the tension between Mr. Lee and Mr. Hatch. Mr. Hatch has been touting his voting record in recent weeks as rumors of a potential tea party challenge grow.
Tea party Republicans have pointed to Mr. Hatch as a possible political target in the coming 2012 election, citing his voting record on the financial bailout. The Utah Republican attempted to put forth his conservative credentials at the annual CPAC convention, receiving jeers from the audience.
