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SALT LAKE CITY — Mitt Romney became the instant front-runner when he announced his U.S. Senate campaign last week, as a new poll shows him with a commanding lead four days into the race.
A Utahpolicy.com poll released Tuesday shows 60 percent of Utahns would vote for the former Massachusetts governor among declared and possible candidates for the office. Only Democratic Salt Lake County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson polled in double digits, with a meager 14 percent.
Libertarian Craig Bowden and Rep. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, who has not entered the race, fared the best among the rest at 3 percent and 2 percent, respectively.
The Dan Jones & Associates poll surveyed 609 registered voters Feb. 9-16. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.
The Romney campaign had no comment on the poll.
Wilson said she entered the race last summer not knowing which Republican she would face, and her reasons for running — to provide a voice for working Utah families and represent their interests — haven't changed.
"I’ll be working hard over this year to prove to them I would have their back in the U.S. Senate," she said.
The candidates are looking to replace retiring seven-term Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. The Utah Senate will consider a resolution designating Wednesday as "Orrin Hatch Day" in the state in recognition of his accomplishments and service.
Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, launched his campaign Friday with an online video message. He intends to gather signatures to get on the primary election ballot as well as seek the Republican Party nomination through the state's caucus and convention system.
According to the poll, 59 percent of men and 61 percent of women say they would vote for Romney. He also garners 75 percent support among Republicans, 32 percent among Democrats and 59 percent with unaffiliated voters.
