Industrialist and philanthropist Jon Huntsman Sr., the father of Utah's governor, says he won't solicit contributions from Utahns — or Mormons anywhere — in his new role as a finance co-chairman of Mitt Romney's presidential exploratory committee.

"I don't want to get involved in situations that would bring the LDS Church into play," Huntsman told the Deseret Morning News in a telephone interview. "The letters I'm sending out to raise funds all have a disclaimer: This is not because of my church affiliation."

Huntsman, a member of the Fifth Quorum of the Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was named Friday as one of nine heavy-hitters nationwide who'll raise money for Romney, a Republican.

He is the only Utahn in what's being called the first group of national finance co-chairmen. Others on the list are from Massachusetts, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, California and Tennessee and include eBay president and CEO Meg Whitman.

Although Huntsman won't be on hand for Romney's first major fund-raiser on Monday, his son David will be there for the daylong event, along with Huntsman's extensive list of contacts. Jon Huntsman Jr., though, is backing Arizona Sen. John McCain for president.

The "National Call Day" in Boston is expected to raise at least $1 million for Romney, whose term as governor of Massachusetts just ended. He served as head of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee and is credited with the success of the 2002 Winter Games.

Jon Huntsman Sr., the Salt Lake-based billionaire chairman and founder of one of the country's largest chemical makers, said he tells potential contributors that he is asking them for money because of his admiration for Romney.

"I feel it's important to say that because I don't want it perceived as a religious campaign of any kind. For me, it's about the best person who can lead our country at this pivotal point in time," Huntsman said during a break from touring Huntsman Corp. plants in the Southeast.

Last fall, Romney's fund-raising efforts generated headlines when the Boston Globe reported the former Utah Olympic leader was attempting to raise money through alumni chapters of the LDS Church-owned Brigham Young University.

The newspaper also reported Romney supporters claimed to have the backing of top church leaders. The church issued a statement reaffirming its position of political neutrality, and a spokesman said church leaders were not involved in candidate fund-raising.

Huntsman said he has hosted two events to introduce Romney to potential contributors, in Houston and Philadelphia, and is planning another in New York City. He said he won't, however, host any events in Utah.