stepping in to lead the 2002 salt lake olympic committee in the wake of a bribery scandal. his gop opponent calls michigan born romney a carpet bagger but his ancestors were early leaders in what is now utah s large mormon population. i m a five generation utahen but my dad took time off for our business career. reporter: running for president, romney was known to make awkward statements that landed with a thud, not in utah. those were built about two and a half years ago but i m told they re still good. reporter: a long time confidant says utah is a good fit for romney. i spoke to one senator that said you re going to hate us. scared me to death. this is the time that s critical. reporter: it is fascinating to see. in all seriousness, dana, ann pushed him. why does he want to go be one of