SALT LAKE CITY — Former U.S. Ambassador and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. is squelching rumors of a write-in campaign.
"While we appreciate the continued enthusiasm from supporters throughout the state, especially after a very tight race, we won’t be pursuing any efforts for a write-in campaign," Huntsman said in a statement to FOX 13 on Monday.
Rumors began circulating in Utah political circles last week about Huntsman possibly mounting a write-in bid for governor after his close loss to Lt. Governor Spencer Cox in the Republican primary. The political website UtahPolicy.com reported on supporters trying to build support.
But the campaign told FOX 13 at the time it was not planning to pivot to a write-in campaign. On Monday, Huntsman's statement sought to end the speculation.
Write-in campaigns are notoriously difficult -- and expensive. Huntsman would have to spend millions in advertising and outreach without his name on the ballot.