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ST. GEORGE — Hoping to gain support for his U.S. Senate campaign, Mike Kennedy visited SunRiver Wednesday and spoke to supporters and prospective voters who look to him as a real alternative to Mitt Romney.

Kennedy, a 49-year-old physician from Utah County, likened the biblical story of David and Goliath to his campaign against Romney for the Senate seat long held by Sen. Orrin Hatch, who is retiring. The two will face off in the June 26 primary to determine who will represent the Republican Party in November’s general election.

Kennedy narrowly beat Romney at the state GOP convention in April — 51 percent to 49 percent.

Following the event at SunRiver, delegates who attended the convention told Kennedy his message resonated with them over Romney.

"When we were vetting all of the candidates before convention, almost everybody was leaning for Romney," a delegate said to Kennedy after the event. "By the time vetting was done and we talked to you guys individually and we found out where you really stand, (we) voted for you."

It is the voters who live outside of Salt Lake County and the surrounding region who Kennedy hopes will help secure his spot on the ballot. It’s why he called rural Utah and places like Washington County “vitally important” in the race.

"A lot of people on the outskirts are very invested and motivated in making sure they get a regular Utahn who’s lived and worked here and understands (Utah)," Kennedy said. "I think Washington County will be key for us."

Kennedy has repeatedly said he understands Utah better than Romney, adding he "doesn’t need a visitors guide" to the state.

Romney grew up in Michigan and served as the governor of Massachusetts. He eventually moved to Utah following an unsuccessful run for president in 2012.

Pointing to the Goliath reference, Kennedy said he understands what he’s up against. Romney has become a favored adopted son of Utah. He’s gained the endorsements of leading Utah politicians like Gov. Gary Herbert, as well as Hatch, who has said he would like someone like Romney to replace him.