From Deseret News archives:

Romney 'overwhelmed' by $6.5 million in trial fund-raiser

Published: Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007 1:48 a.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Utah Lt. Governor Gary Herbert was among an estimated 15 people who flew to Boston from Utah for the event.

"It is not a hard sell in the state of Utah," Herbert said. Utahns know him not only from his work on the 2002 Olympics but because he is member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even for those outside of Utah or not familiar with Romney, "I think he sells himself very well," Herbert said.

"This is not who do you want to be your pastor," Herbert said, which is already a familiar line when talking about Romney's White House aspirations. "This is not about church doctrine but who do you want to be your next president."

Herbert said the word Mormon was not even part of the vocabulary on Monday, and that his own list included church members and non-members.

David Huntsman, brother of Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., was also making calls. The governor supports another presidential contender, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., although his father and brother support Romney.

"It makes for interesting family discussions," David Huntsman said, adding that there is respect for each brother's political opinions.

Story continues below
"We're excited about what he's doing, we believe in his message that he has," said David Huntsman. "He's a true leader. He's been successful in everything he has been involved in."

Huntsman said he likes the fact that Romney's "been successful not only in politics but outside of politics" and that his broad experience as a CEO will help in run an effective White House.

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt said once more people meet Romney in person and get to know him better they will "like what they see.

'The next president will face a number of challenges," Blunt said. "He is a proven problem-solver."

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and McCain also have exploratory committees for the Republican nomination.


E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image
Josh Reynolds, Associated Press

Mitt Romney hangs up after calling his sister as part of his "National Call Day" experiment.

previousnext

Latest comments

PLEASE MAKE SOME TRADES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went to a Repubican town meeting. The Senator allowed 1.5 hrs for open...

SM would have their way with BYU. They would MURDER yBu inside, and they are...

Must we hear Ed's commentary follow each day of hearings. The public is...

Utahns want health care reform bills

At least the democrat party has the ability to think for themselves and are...

Letters: Preening president

that is hoping and praying the President is right and that he has the winds...

I havent watched 1 jazz game this year. I just read about them losing each...

Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing

'Intellectual Conservatism?'...Give me a break! It's no coincidence that...

Letters: Look to the coach

Anyone who watched the game same several BYU players intentionally trying to...

leave it to the NYT to attack charities because charities do something the...

Advertisements