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WEST VALLEY CITY -- Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman took a different approach to campaigning Saturday.
Huntsman led the pack of more than two dozen Harley riders, out to enjoy a Utah summer day.
"Any day is a good day for a ride, especially when there's blue sky and warm temperatures," Huntsman said.
But things aren't so sunny in his bid for the White House. A recent survey from Public Policy Polling shows Huntsman significantly behind Republican front-runner Mitt Romney in Utah right now. The former Utah governor is building his support, but he's still relatively unknown throughout the rest of the country.
Huntsman is quick to point out a recent poll that shows him ahead of President Barack Obama. And that's the poll Huntsman is focusing on.
I think the time he was here as governor, he did a great job for our state. Our state is in great shape economically compared to other states in the nation.
–Delany Stephens
Voters will look at the overall objective, selecting the person that is most electable, and that's who goes on to beat President Obama, Huntsman said. "I like our numbers."
Jim Turner, an accountant from Cottonwood Heights wearing a bandana wrapped around his head and a gay rights bracelet on his wrist, was among the riders — and among the fans of the former Utah governor who recently served as U.S. ambassador to China.
"For the primary, I'll probably be a Republican," said Turner, a Democrat. Huntsman's appeal, he said, is his "broad spectrum of experience. His open-mindedness is far beyond the political mud that's going on right now."
For about 20 minutes, Huntsman heard only the sound of the wind and his Harley Davidson Road Kind, which was probably a bit of a relief for the candidate.
The ride ended at a small rally, where supporters met him with signs, and even a few hugs.
"I think the time he was here as governor, he did a great job for our state," said Delany Stephens of Ogden. "Our state is in great shape economically compared to other states in the nation.
"I think he's doing a great job and I'm excited he's running for president," said Huntsman supporter Aimee Stephens.
I just think that recognition wise, I think Romney has the better chance of beating the incumbent president.
–Lowell Finney
Even though the crowd welcomed the state's former governor, support for Huntsman was not universal, including those who rode with him.
Heidi Moore of Lehi supported Huntsman as governor, but now she's double checking his "conservative" credentials.
"I really want to be a leader in this campaign, and so I really want to make sure I know who I'm going for," Moore said. "I just want to make sure he's still the Jon I know."
For Lowell Finney, his support is more a practical decision.
"I just think that recognition wise, I think Romney has the better chance of beating the incumbent president," said Finney, who's already decided upon Romney.
It may be a long ride ahead for the former governor, but Huntsman said he's up for it -- it's still early.
Huntsman, who was accompanied by his wife, Mary Kaye, and three of his seven children, is spending the rest of the weekend here with family before heading to California.
On Friday, he toured a downtown advertising agency, held a press conference and met with key donors at his family's Deer Valley home. He also started seeking support from governors attending the National Governors Association meeting going on through Sunday.
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Written by Richard Piatt and Lisa Riley Roche.
