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SALT LAKE CITY -- Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman skipped the GOP debate in Las Vegas Tuesday night, saying he was boycotting the Nevada caucuses in a dispute over the primary and caucus calendar.
He is campaigning exclusively in New Hampshire in hopes of a victory that can move him into the thick of the race. He appeared intent on scoring political points with New Hampshire voters by hosting his own town hall in Hopkinton, N.H., at the same time the debate unfolded on TV in Nevada.
"I've heard what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas. May I say that what happens in New Hampshire impacts the world," he told a crowd of about 150 people.
Huntsman jabbed the other candidates and blasted the made-for-TV debate as a "game show." One blog Wednesday morning observed that Huntsman "worked the stage like it was the Improv at Harrah's."
Related:
Sparks fly between Romney and Perry at GOP Debate
The Romney-Perry fireworks stole the show at the Republican presidential debate Tuesday night in Las Vegas."I know my good friend Herman Cain will likely play the roulette wheel, and he'll be focused on getting the ball on 9-9-9," Huntsman said, referring to Cain's tax plan and campaign mantra.
He also said Mitt Romney will "likely be staying at Trump Tower because he's already won the apprenticeship for the presidency."
Huntsman believes New Hampshire is a better venue to talk "serious issues." His greatest focus Tuesday night was on the economy and the special place the New Hampshire primary holds in election tradition.
It's unclear yet if Huntsman improved his popularity with New Hampshire voters by staying away from the Las Vegas debate.
E-mail: aadams@ksl.com
