Independent: Time for Romney to sit

David Goldman / AP

Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney arrives to his election night rally, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Boston. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

By Peter McMurran, Henderson

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 | 2 a.m.

It was fascinating to hear that twice-beaten presidential candidate Mitt Romney spoke recently in San Diego, testing his potential for a third run at the office he covets most. How damaging his run will be to the Republican nomination process cannot be understated.

Romney will further fracture the party. Former Gov. Jeb Bush, Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Rand Paul and Gov. Scott Walker are viewed as early, viable candidates. In my view, the party should decide earlier rather than later on its choice. The vetting process diminishes the party, as infighting helped the Democratic Party to victory in the last cycle, resulting in a resounding loss for Romney and the party.

The hubris of Romney is what shocks me — 51 percent of the electorate, or 65 million Americans, chose the current president. The electoral vote was even larger at 61 percent. Isn’t it clear that the American electorate has spoken? Does Romney not think it best for the Republican Party that he sit this one out? As an independent party voter, I would ask that he stand down. Let those who have not lost the general election have at it. Besides, your lengthy deferment spent in France during the height of the Vietnam War while you openly supported the war does not sit well with this veteran.

Take a seat, Mr. Romney.