SALT LAKE CITY — Sen. Bob Bennett made it official Friday morning, announcing his support for his former rival, Tim Bridgewater.
"It wasn't a tough decision to make," Bennett told the Deseret News in a telephone interview from Washington, D.C.
"He's a businessman, as I am," Bennett said. "And I have found in the Senate, being a voice for small business has gotten some attention because the majority of senators are lawyers."
Bridgewater's opponent in the June 22 GOP primary is Mike Lee, an attorney. Bridgewater and Lee ended Bennett's attempt to win a fourth term at the party's convention last month.
"I am deeply grateful to the senator for his endorsement and most importantly for his 18 years of service to this great state," Bridgewater said. "While some of our policies may differ, I have always held Sen. Bennett in great respect, and I am grateful of his support at this crucial time."
Bennett said he has known Bridgewater for many years and was personally approached by him about an endorsement. The senator said he had not received a similar request directly from Lee.
The endorsement is expected to become an issue in the primary. Bennett acknowledged the harsh feelings toward him displayed at the May 8 convention.
He said he decided not to run as a write-in candidate in the primary because "it would have kept the animosity and the anger alive. I just decided the state doesn't need this."
The senator said he doesn't think his endorsement will stir those feelings up again. Still, Bennett said, he's not sure how valuable his backing will be.
"I have learned in politics that endorsements, they get headlines, they get a little bit of buzz," Bennett said. "But they don't move anybody."
Bennett lost at the convention despite having the backing of one of the most popular Republicans ever in Utah, former Olympic leader and presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
"They know who I am in Utah," Bennett said. "Whether it makes a difference, whether it's helpful or not, I don't know."
Bennett had been scheduled to endorse Bridgewater at a press conference in Utah on Monday, after postponing an event planned for Friday to cast a vote in the Senate.
But after news of his endorsement leaked, the senator made the announcement during an interview on KSL Radio Friday morning.
Also Friday, Lee announced a new endorsement of his own, from noted author and businessman Stephen R. Covey.
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