Mitt Romney said Friday that he would back Ted Cruz in Utah's Republican caucus on Tuesday — though "I like Gov. John Kasich" — prompting front-runner Donald Trump to slam the former Massachusetts governor on Twitter.
"I will vote for Senator Ted Cruz," the 2012 GOP presidential candidate said on Facebook. "I encourage others to do so as well, so that we can have an open convention and nominate a Republican."
In referencing front-runner Donald Trump, Romney said: "There is a contest between Trumpism and Republicanism. Through the calculated statements of its leader, Trumpism has become associated with racism, misogyny, bigotry, xenophobia, vulgarity and, most recently, threats and violence.
"I am repulsed by each and every one of these," he added.
"The only path that remains to nominate a Republican rather than Mr. Trump is to have an open convention. At this stage, the only way we can reach an open convention is for Senator Cruz to be successful in as many of the remaining nominating elections as possible.
"I like Governor John Kasich," he continued. "I have campaigned with him. He has a solid record as governor.
"I would have voted for him in Ohio. But a vote for Governor Kasich in future contests makes it extremely likely that Trumpism would prevail."
Earlier this month,
Romney ripped Trump in a speech in Salt Lake City — calling the developer a fraud who is playing the American public for suckers.
"Dishonesty is Trump's hallmark," Romney said.
Trump fired back, calling Romney a loser who should have easily beaten President Barack Obama.
He also responded quickly on Friday to Romney's endorsement on Twitter:
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