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Washington • Two potential 2016 presidential candidates are flying into Utah this weekend for an event with donors to the Republican Governors Association, continuing the tradition of an annual Spring gathering of the group and its big supporters.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, both possible White House hopefuls, are expected at the event at the St. Regis in Park City. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert also is expected to attend, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because the event is not public.
The event — at which governors can brief the top donors on their actions and future outlooks — is the third or fourth such forum held in Utah in recent years.
The visit comes shortly after another GOP star, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, dropped into the state for a fundraiser for Sen. Mike Lee of Utah.
Christie is chairman of the Republican Governors Association. He, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, are scheduled to be in Las Vegas on Saturday for a meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition held at billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson's Venetian resort, according to The Associated Press. The possible presidential contenders are hoping to court Adelson, a major Republican donor who has helped bankroll television ads and political groups for previous White House campaigns.
The Park City event is billed as less of a fundraiser and more of an intimate opportunity for donors to talk to leading GOP governors. Herbert is barred by law from raising cash during the bill-signing period after the Utah legislative session.