Bennett won’t run as write-in candidate

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bob Bennett says he will not run as a write-in candidate in Utah’s Republican primary next month.He told reporters Thursday that such a move would further divide the party in his state to the point that it would be hard to repair the damage.

Earlier this month, Bennett lost his bid for a fourth term as GOP delegates at the state convention, led by tea party activists, rejected his candidacy.

Two Republicans — Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater — advanced to a June 22 primary.

Bennett said his constituents and colleages urged him to run as a write-in, but he decided against it. Bennett did not make any endorsement.