Huntsman Courts Huckabee for GOP Prez Support

Several Republican presidential hopefuls have been meeting with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, himself a strong candidate in 2008, even though he may run again next year. Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is the latest to woo Huckabee, getting together for a meal in New York City last week, a source familiar with the meeting told Politico.

Jon Huntsman aims to prove conservatism. (Getty Images Photo)

Huckabee has said he will decide this summer whether he will run. For Huntsman, an endorsement from Huckabee would help blunt charges that he’s not truly a conservative after serving as President Barack Obama’s ambassador to China.

Next up on Huntsman’s schedule of meetings with conservative heavies is New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, CNN reports. Many conservatives would like to see Christie run, but he has pledged that he won’t this time. The two are set to meet in the next week, CNN says.