"Fred is well-known from his TV and movie appearances and certainly has a charismatic, appealing presence," Jowers said, mostly as a result of having "not been scrutinized. Therefore, Republicans can fill him up with all of their beliefs and hopes."

Jowers said about half of all Republicans nationwide have complained about their choices this election. Even in Utah, some voters are looking for "more of that southern conservative model," he said.

Those voters will soon see Thompson doesn't fit the bill, he said. "I think conservatives in Utah and elsewhere will be disappointed in Thompson because neither his voting record nor personal life are the ideal that they are envisioning."

Lynn, though, is convinced he's backing the candidate most likely to win the White House. "Romney is well-entrenched, he's got a huge organization," Lynn said. "To me, the demarcation is that Fred is more electable."

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