SALT LAKE CITY, UT, USA – At World Trade Center Utah’s second Thought Leader Symposium of 2016 Gov. Mike Leavitt spoke to Utah business and community leaders about the presidential primaries and the role a contested GOP convention may play in the upcoming election. One thing Gov. Leavitt emphasized in his remarks is that anything can happen. 

“We are in uncharted territory here. I don’t think there is any clarity other than what the rules are today and the way it has unfolded in the past,” said Gov. Leavitt. “I think we can all begin to buckle our chinstraps and enjoy what I think is going to be a lesson in the way our two-party system works.” 

A contested convention has occurred 26 times since political parties were created, 16 times for Democrats and 10 times for Republicans. With the way the presidential primaries have been playing out, an open GOP convention is possible this year. This election’s results will affect all Utah businesses, but international businesses in particular. 

“The next president will have a lot to deal with in the area of foreign affairs,” said WTC Utah President and CEO Derek B. Miller. “There are escalating tensions with Russia, an ongoing civil war and refugee crisis in Syria, and a growing threat of terrorism worldwide. The president’s foreign policy positions will be more important to the safety and security of the U.S. than ever before.” 

The new President will make choices that influence diplomatic relationships and determine the success or failure of trade agreements, such as the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). If passed, the TPP will reduce almost all foreign trade barriers in areas that account for a third of Utah exports– IT, chemicals, transportation products and food products. More than 220 business and community leaders, including Gov. Gary R. Herbert, attended the Thought Leader Symposium at The Grand America Hotel. At these quarterly events, national experts are invited to speak about serious topics that impact Utah businesses.

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