Romney Could Provide Big Boost in Utah Fundraising

Sen. John McCain will head to Utah today, apparently with Mitt Romney at his side:

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain will make an invitation-only fundraising stop in Salt Lake City at the Grand America Hotel on Thursday.

Former presidential contender Mitt Romney will accompany McCain to the $1,000-a-person event at the Grand America Hotel, a McCain campaign official confirmed today on the condition of anonymity.

Romney, who dropped out of the race after poor showings in the primaries, received nearly 90 percent of the Utah GOP vote on Feb. 5, while McCain had just 5 percent. Romney is a member of the LDS Church, like more than 60 percent of the state's residents.

While McCain raised about $183,000 from Utah since January 2007, Romney raised millions.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who has been the subject of media speculation as a possible running running mate, will be in attendance, organizers said.

McCain also is holding fundraising events in Colorado and Nevada this week.