Shurtleff announces he backs McCain

BOSTON (AP) — Sen. John McCain announced Thursday he now has the support of two leading Republicans in Utah.

Joining Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who signed on to McCain's expected candidacy last summer, is the state's Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

"After looking thoroughly at the records of each candidate who may choose to run for president," Shurtleff said, "it was clear to me that Sen. John McCain is the one whose values and character are best for Utah and for our country."

Huntsman repeated his reasoning for backing McCain in a statement released from the senator's Virginia-based presidential exploratory committee: "John McCain's conservative values and leadership are exactly what Utah and this country will need to face the challenges ahead of us."

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who leaves office Jan. 4 and is expected to announce his own campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, enjoys widespread support in Utah from fellow members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and top political and business leaders, including the governor's father, Jon Huntsman.

Nonetheless, McCain reveled in the support of two top Republicans from his western neighbor.

"Utahns are privileged to have these two men leading their great state," the Arizona Republican said of Huntsman and Shurtleff. "I am honored to have their support."

Romney is traveling in Asia this week and a spokesman for his political action committee did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.