Merit Medical CEO, Fred Lampropoulos, decides not to run for Senate

SALT LAKE CITY — About a week after saying he planned to challenge U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett for the Republican nomination this spring, a Utah businessman says he has decided not to run.

Merit Medical president and CEO Fred Lampropoulos said Thursday a business opportunity has arisen that he can't ignore.

Bennett faces several Republican challengers. Another, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, dropped out of the race last month to spend more time with a daughter experiencing mental health problems.

Democrat and Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control chairman Sam Granato also has filed to run.

In a statement Bennett wished Lampropoulos well.

Lampropoulos says he still thinks Bennett should be replaced but says he's not sure who he will support.