The Latest: President Trump praises Sen. Mike Enzi in tweet

GILLETTE, Wyo. – The Latest on U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi’s announcement that he will not run for a fifth term in 2020. (all times local):

7:55 p.m.

President Donald Trump has sent out a tweet praising U.S. Sen. Enzi, who has announced that he will not run for a fifth term in 2020.

On Saturday night, Trump tweeted: “Mike has been a fantastic Senator!”

Enzi’s announcement earlier Saturday costs the GOP a loyal conservative senator but likely not the seat.

Enzi, 75, announced his pending retirement in his hometown of Gillette, where he owned a shoe store and “never intended to get into politics.” But his election as mayor in 1974 was the start of a successful political career that led him to the Senate in 1996.

“I have much to get done in the next year and a half,” he said. “I want to focus on budget reform. I don’t want to be burdened by the distractions of another campaign. After this year, I’ll find other ways to serve.”

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2:07 p.m.

Wyoming Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi announced Saturday that he will not run for a fifth term in 2020, costing the GOP a loyal conservative senator but likely not the seat.

Enzi, 75, announced his pending retirement in his hometown of Gillette, where he owned a shoe store and “never intended to get into politics.” But his election as mayor in 1974 was the start of a successful political career that led him to the Senate in 1996.

“I have much to get done in the next year and a half,” he said. “I want to focus on budget reform. I don’t want to be burdened by the distractions of another campaign. After this year, I’ll find other ways to serve.”

During his tenure in the Senate, Enzi has gained a reputation of being low-key and willing to work across party lines to produce results.