MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a potential Republican candidate for president, is lining up support in Alabama, with State Treasurer Kay Ivey serving as state chair of his exploratory committee.

"As we build our national campaign, she will be instrumental in communicating my vision to the people of Alabama," Romney said in statement Wednesday announcing her selection.

Ivey, a 62-year-old veteran of statehouse politics, will be sworn in Monday for her second term as state treasurer.

She said Romney "is a true conservative" and she was impressed by "his record of making government more responsive to the people."

Romney was active in Alabama's campaigns last year, with his Commonwealth Political Action Committee making $143,500 in contributions to candidates and political organizations.

Alabama has moved up its 2008 presidential preference primary from June to February, which means the state is seeing more presidential activity than in past years. Several potential candidates have already visited the state, and Romney is scheduled to speak to the State Republican Executive Committee on Feb. 9 in Montgomery.


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