Page 7 - HOSPITAAL

A4 U.S. NEWS
Thursday 15 February 2018

AP sources: Mitt Romney to launch Senate campaign Thursday

Despite a drama-filled his- senator, some supporters
tory with Trump, Romney is hope that the one-time
not expected to address Trump critic could serve as
the combative president a political and moral coun-
directly in the announce- terweight to a president
ment video. Those close to they see as divisive, erratic
him say he plans a hyper- and undignified.
local focus on Utah issues During the 2016 presiden-
throughout the Senate tial election, Romney gave
campaign. a scathing speech in which
His announcement video he called Trump “a pho-
will suggest that Washing- ny” who was “playing the
ton has much to learn from American public for suck-
Utah. ers” and was unfit to be
Romney, a former Massa- president.
chusetts governor and one He softened his stance after
of the most famous Mor- Trump won the presidency
mons, is widely liked and and put himself forward as
respected in Utah, which is a candidate for secretary
heavily Mormon. of state. But he resumed his
He moved to Utah after criticism last year, calling
losing the 2012 presiden- out the president for blam-
tial election. That was a ing “both sides” following
In this Jan. 19, 2018 photo, former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks about decade after he helped a deadly white suprema-
the tech sector during an industry conference, in Salt Lake City. Romney plans to announce his turn around the scandal- cist rally in Charlottesville,
Utah Senate campaign Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018. Three people with direct knowledge of the plan
say Romney will formally launch his campaign in a video. plagued 2002 Winter Olym- Virginia. Trump, in turn, has
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) pics. criticized Romney for his
In addition to his instant failed presidential bids in
By MICHELLE L. PRICE plan confirmed Wednes- Senate bid. His first public name recognition, Rom- 2008 and 2012, saying he
STEVE PEOPLES day. appearance as a Senate ney has a deep network “choked like a dog.” Rom-
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — For- He'll be a heavy favorite to candidate will come Friday of fundraisers and his own ney isn’t expected to face
mer GOP presidential nom- keep the seat in Republi- night at a county Republi- personal wealth to help any serious challenges for
inee Mitt Romney will an- can hands. can dinner in Provo. carry him. Those close to the seat. Even Utah’s con-
nounce Thursday that he's The 70-year-old Romney, Those with knowledge of his him suggest he will not seek servatives, who see him as
running for the Utah Senate once a harsh critic of Presi- plans spoke on the condi- financial aid from any super too moderate and estab-
seat held by retiring Orrin dent Donald Trump, will tion of anonymity because PACs or Washington-based lishment for their liking, ad-
Hatch, three people with release an online video they weren't authorized to campaign committees. mit they respect him and
direct knowledge of the Thursday announcing his speak publicly. If he becomes Utah's next are unlikely to block him.q
Trump breaks silence, denounces domestic violence

By DEB RIECHMANN after the allegations engulfed senior West Wing White House on Wednes- system. There's a break-
ZEKE MILLER against former White House officials, calling into ques- day as his panel opened down in the vetting system
Associated Press staff secretary Rob Porter tion the decision-making an investigation into the and that breakdown needs
WASHINGTON (AP) — first became public. Porter and candor of chief of staff matter. to be addressed."
Breaking his silence about resigned a week ago. He John Kelly and White House House Speaker Paul Ryan Ryan’s comments and
abuse, President Donald has denied the allegations. counsel Don McGahn. was asked Wednesday word of the House probe
Trump said Wednesday Trump had praised Porter, Trump's comments come about how the White followed a day after the
he's "totally opposed to his former staff secretary, as lawmakers on Capitol House has handled the Por- FBI contradicted the White
domestic violence." He on Friday in his first com- Hill launched a probe into ter allegations, and wheth- House over the Porter ac-
commented amid growing ments about the allega- how Porter was allowed to er Trump needs to publicly cusations. The FBI said it
pressure to speak out after tions. And on Saturday, he work at the White House condemn domestic vio- gave the Trump administra-
allegations that a top White appeared to cast doubt under an interim security lence. tion information on multiple
House aide had abused on the women's allegations clearance despite allega- "Clearly, we all should be occasions last year about
two former wives. when he tweeted: "Peoples tions of spousal abuse. condemning domestic vio- Porter and that the investi-
"Everybody knows" his posi- lives are being shattered Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., lence," Ryan told reporters. gation wrapped up in Jan-
tion, Trump said, but "now and destroyed by a mere chairman of the House "And if a person who com- uary. The White House ap-
you hear it." allegation." Committee on Oversight mits domestic violence gets proach has drawn criticism
The president's remarks The White House's handling and Government Reform, in the government, then even from Trump’s own
came more than a week of the Porter situation has sent letters to the FBI and there's a breakdown in the party. q