Huntsman Joining 2012 Race Next Week

Jon Huntsman is making the rumors official: He’ll throw his hat into the 2012 ring next Tuesday, officials tell the AP. Huntsman left his post as US ambassador to China in the spring and started putting his campaign organization together. The former governor of Utah is seen as a long-shot, but if he does secure the GOP nomination, his moderate views could make him a formidable opponent for Obama.

Huntsman’s problems with the conservative base are similar to those of Mitt Romney, the early frontrunner: Both may have difficulties winning over the far right (both are also Mormon). Huntsman also has a lack of national name recognition working against him, as well as the fact that Obama himself appointed Huntsman to the China post. Click to see why Huntsman won’t campaign in Iowa. (More Jon Huntsman stories.)