Hotline On Call

It's not uncommon to see Mitt Romney endorse a candidate, but the presumptive GOP presidential nominee's wife, Ann Romney, is hardly ever seen wading into competitive campaigns. But she did just that on Friday, voicing her support for Republican nominee Mia Love in Utah's 4th District race.

"Women across the country are concerned for our children's futures," Ann Romney said in a statement. "Will our children be able to find jobs and will they be faced with burdensome debt? Mia's record of reducing spending and making government more accountable to the taxpayers should be an example for Washington. With leaders like her, we can help ensure that our children and grandchildren have bright futures."

Love is running against Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson in a newly created district. Love is Haitian-American, and if elected, she would be the first black Republican woman in Congress. The Saratoga Springs mayor has caught the eye of national Republican strategists, and now Ann Romney, who is well-liked in Utah.

Ann Romney's endorsement underscores how important the contest is for Republicans. The language she used in her endorsement also suggests that women voters could be crucial in the district, and the GOP is actively trying to help Love secure their support.

A recent Deseret News/KSL-TV poll of registered voters showed Matheson leading Love 53 percent to 38 percent, a margin that is significant, but far for from secure.