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Mitt Romney Out Of Running, Rex Tillerson In As Secretary Of State Nominee

WASHINGTON (CBS/AP) — Mitt Romney is out of the running for Secretary of State, writing on Facebook that it "was an honor to have been considered" for the job in Donald Trump's Cabinet.

The former Massachusetts governor writes: "My discussions with President-elect Trump have been both enjoyable and enlightening. I have very high hopes that the new administration will lead the nation to greater strength, prosperity and peace."

Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential candidate, was a vocal critic of Trump during the election. Some of Trump's senior advisers warned that tapping Romney for the job at State would anger the president-elect's loyal supporters.

Shortly after Romney's announcement, CBS News confirmed Donald Trump will pick Exxon-Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson as his Secretary of State.

The official announcement came early Tuesday morning.

Tillerson's nomination must now be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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