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Richard Piatt ReportingThe heat on next year's race for Governor has been turned up a notch. Jon Huntsman, Junior today filed to organize a campaign committee--a move that indicates he's a serious contender and ready to raise money.
It was a family outing to the State Capitol where ex-trade Ambassador and now gubernatorial hopeful Jon Huntsman Junior took another step toward a political campaign.
Jon Huntsman, Jr., Candidate for Governor: "We think this campaign will require a new generation of thinking and problem solving, and that's what we think we bring to this campaign."
By completing these documents, Huntsman can now start raising money for what is expected to be a hard-fought Governor's race next year. It's something a few probable competitors have already done: Democrat Scott Matheson, Junior has been raising money for a couple months. Also organized are Republicans Marty Stephens, Nolan Karras, and state Senator Parley Hellewell.
But this time the behind the scenes business of a successful campaign is more important than ever. Candidates are already pushing for delegates’ support, the people who will pick the candidates who will run.
Dan Jones, Political Pollster: "Candidates must prove to delegates that they can win the final race."
Republican delegates are also hearing from businessman Fred Lampropolous and Utah county commissioner Gary Herbert who are also expected to enter the race, but who haven't filed campaign papers yet. Ex-Congressman Jim Hansen and Olene Walker haven't announced their intentions yet but could
Jon Huntsman, Jr., Candidate for Governor: "It's going to be hard-fought going through the convention, and I anticipate there's going to be a primary. And we're going to get in there and slug it out with the best of them."
Dan Jones, Political Pollster: "We already know Mr. Stephens, Mr. Lampropolous, Mr. Karras, also Mr. Herbert. All these are very formidable candidates."
