Huntsman predicts strong showing in NH primary

[December 12, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Jon Huntsman skipped the latest presidential debate and is near the bottom in many polls, but says he can surprise his GOP rivals in New Hampshire.

He says people don't get serious about the race until perhaps a week to 10 days before the vote. The former Utah governor has written off the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3 and is counting on a good performance in the New Hampshire primary Jan. 10.

He tells ABC's "This Week" that "the marketplace is still open, people are shopping" for a candidate.

Huntsman says he's going "nowhere but up" in New Hampshire and that state always "upends conventional wisdom" in elections.

He predicts he'll be "right up toward the top" in the vote.

Huntsman debates Newt Gingrich in New Hampshire on Monday.

[Associated Press]

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