Jon Huntsman staked his presidential campaign on New Hampshire and his bid to become a legitimate competitor on distinguishing himself from front-runner Mitt Romney. But less than a week after a disappointing third-place finish in the GOP primary there, Huntsman decided to quit the race and back Romney. Huntsman’s campaign staffers say he’s backing Romney because he thinks he’s the best candidate to beat President Barack Obama in November. Campaign manager Matt David says Huntsman will confirm his withdrawal at an event in Myrtle Beach, S.C., today. Huntsman’s résumé had suggested he could be a major contender for the Republican presidential nomination: businessman, diplomat, governor, veteran of four presidential administrations, an expert on China and foreign trade. But the former ambassador to China in the Obama administration found a poor reception for his brand of moderate civility that he had hoped would draw support from independents as well as party moderates. Huntsman was almost invisible in a race often dominated by Romney, a fellow Mormon. One reason was timing. For months, Romney and other declared or expected-to-declare candidates drew media attention and wooed voters in early primary states. The Associated Press has the full story here.
Today’s poll question: Is Jon Huntsman bowing out of the GOP race too soon?
