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SALT LAKE CITY – Former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. won't be rallying voters or apparently raising money for his possible presidential bid while he's in Utah through the weekend.
"This is a personal visit for a couple of days. It's not a campaign swing. I'm sure he'll come back to have that swing and campaign coverage and large crowds," said Zions Bank President Scott Anderson.
Huntsman, who is returning to Utah to attend his son Will's graduation from Judge Memorial High School, is making no public appearances or allowing the media to attend events on his schedule, including the unveiling of his official portrait as governor at the Governor's Mansion Saturday.
Also off limits is a gathering organized by Anderson for Huntsman at the members-only Alta Club Friday.
"It's a luncheon with friends" from Huntsman's time as governor, said Anderson, chairman of the Utah-based political action committee, Horizon PAC, that's been called Huntsman's campaign-in-waiting.
"It's not a fundraiser and it's not a political gathering. Democrats are coming. Republicans are coming … a variety of people, and not necessarily all Huntsman supporters for his run at the presidency," Anderson said.
Huntsman will likely talk about his experiences serving as U.S. ambassador to China with the group but, Anderson said, "It's not a major policy address."
Anderson said he has not solicited funds for Horizon PAC since sending out a letter last March while Huntsman was still in China as ambassador, urging donations of $50,000 or $100,000.
In the letter, which appeared on the Politico website, Anderson said Huntsman was "not associated with the PAC at this time, the PAC is ready to assist him if he decides to run for the presidency in 2012 and/or 2016."
Now that Huntsman has resigned as ambassador, Anderson said future fundraising for the PAC will depend on whether he gets in the race. He declined to discuss how much already has been raised.
Email:lroche@ksl.com
