Washington (CNN)Mitt Romney's decision to pass on 2016 anoints Jeb Bush as the clear establishment favorite in the Republican presidential race and lays down a challenge to the party's divided conservatives. Though the first contests will not take place in early voting states for a year, Romney's swerve, announced on a conference call with supporters on Friday, is the most important moment yet in the nascent GOP contest. It removes the prospect of a bruising battle for big establishment donor cash and moderate, right of center, Republican primary voters between Romney, the 2012 nominee and Bush, heir to a dynastic political machine.
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Bush cements role as establishment favorite
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Christie has chance to compete for Romney donors
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Romney looks to new Republican generation
@placeholder sent the Republican race into overdrive with his sudden announcement last month that he was actively exploring a run for president.