Key SC Huckabee Backer Shifts to Huntsman

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman already has gained from former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s decision not to run for president. Mike Campbell, a  key South Carolina operative who supported Huckabee, now backs Huntsman in the early primary state, Fox News reported Tuesday.

Campbell, who was Huckabee’s South Carolina chairman during his presidential run in 2008, announced that he’ll support Huntsman if he seeks the GOP nod.

Campbell is the son of former South Carolina Gov. Caroll Campbell and is known for his connections to the evangelical Christian community in the state. That could help Huntsman, who is a Mormon.

"Like my dad, Huntsman was a popular governor who kept his promises and left office with a powerful record of achievement,” Campbell said Monday. “As more South Carolinians get to know Governor Huntsman, I believe they will come to the same conclusion I have — that he is the right leader for our party and our country in this important election.”

A South Carolina source told Fox News that Huntsman and Huckabee had dinner together in New York a few weeks ago. They’re “very close,” both are musicians, and even jammed together.