Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is reportedly pushing for an early showdown with former Utah governor Jon Huntsman.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Mr. Romney’s Utah advisers are working to try to get the state’s Republican presidential primary moved up, from late June to earlier in the spring. The move may provide Mr. Romney with a chance to eliminate Mr. Huntsman from competition earlier in the race, allowing the former Massachusetts governor to focus his attacks on President Obama. The move, however, could cost Utah taxpayers between $2.5 million and $3 million to stage the primary.
The report comes as Mr. Romney and Mr. Huntsman are battling to establish themselves as the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination.
The Huntsman campaign seemed to welcome the prospect of a change, saying the campaign was prepared to face Mr. Romney in Utah. Huntsman spokesman Tim Miller said the campaign would any changes made by Utah in the coming months.
“Governor Huntsman looks forward to competing vigorously in the primary no matter when it takes place,” Mr. Miller said. “He’s had two very successful campaigns in the state and is excited about the prospect of a third. His track record of cutting taxes and growing jobs compares quite favorably to his competitors.”
The move could represent a boon for Utah politics. Utah governor Gary Herbert seemed to welcome the prospects of an earlier primary.
“We had more candidates come to Utah than ever before in the state’s history,” Mr. Herbert said in a Tribune interview. “It’s good for us to be able to say to them, ‘By the way, if you want our vote, understand our issue and tell us how you’re going to take care of it when you’re president.’ That’s getting engaged and having influence on policy. That’s really a significantly important thing.”
