Huntsman to skip Nevada debate in protest

{mosads}”Next Tuesday, Gov. Huntsman will boycott the Nevada presidential debate, and instead hold a first-in-the-nation town hall meeting in New Hampshire, to discuss his bold plans to create jobs and reform America’s foreign policy for the 21st century,” said campaign manager Matt David in a statement. “While Mitt Romney’s campaign has tried to game the system by encouraging Nevada to move to an earlier date, Gov. Huntsman is sticking up for the Granite State.”

Huntsman has accused Romney of urging Nevada officials to take the earlier caucus date. Nevada, with its significant Mormon population, looks to be an easy win for the former Massachusetts governor, and a string of early victories could help Romney to cement the nomination. But the Romney camp has denied the allegations and said it hopes New Hampshire maintains its first-in-the-nation primary.

Michele Bachmann was reportedly also considering boycotting the debate, although her campaign later clarified that she would be in attendance. But she and Rick Santorum are considering joining Huntsman and Newt Gingrich, who have said they won’t participate in the caucus itself unless New Hampshire and Iowa are accommodated.