SALT LAKE CITY, June 28 (UPI) -- Holding an early presidential primary in Utah, something GOP hopeful Mitt Romney's campaign advisers want, could cost the state $3 million, officials said.
The primary is currently scheduled for June 26, 2012, with voters selecting both their presidential choices and candidates for state offices. That is likely to be too late to give Utah a voice on the Republican candidate, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Monday.
Romney, a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with close ties to Utah, currently appears to be favored by more Republicans in the state than former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman.
"The earlier it is the more likely that clash of the Utah titans would happen," Reid Wilson, editor of National Journal Hotline, told the Tribune.
Thomas Wright, Utah Republican chairman, said given the estimated $2.5 million to $3 million cost of two primaries holding only one is better for the party and the state.
"Our priority was not to do what Mitt Romney thought was best. Our priority was to do what was best for Republicans and the state of Utah," Wright said.
