Romney, Bush to have private meeting in Utah

MIAMI — Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney are meeting in Utah as the two men explore 2016 presidential bids.

An aide to the former Florida governor confirmed the private meeting, which will take place late Thursday. Bush spokeswoman Kristy Campbell did not provide details on what the two potential Republican presidential contenders would discuss, but said the visit had been long planned.

The meeting, first reported by The New York Times, was on both men’s calendars before Romney made a surprise announcement two weeks ago that he was considering a third run for the White House.

“Governor Bush is looking forward to seeing Governor Romney,” Campbell said.

Bush is seen as an early favorite of the GOP establishment, but Romney’s sudden interest in another campaign has blunted that momentum and split donors.

ASSOCIATED PRESS