Just hours after announcing his 2008 presidential bid on David Letterman's late-night television show, Arizona Sen. John McCain arrived in Utah Thursday for an overnight stay that includes meetings with a fellow Republican, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.

McCain collected more than $150,000 at a $1,000-a-plate fund-raiser held in a Federal Heights home and is scheduled to raise more money from Utahns before leaving the state this morning. He will also address a group of financial executives meeting in Deer Valley.

Utah's governor is scheduled to appear with McCain at a forum in Phoenix this evening. Huntsman backs McCain despite the popularity in Utah of another GOP presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who led the 2002 Winter Olympics.

McCain told reporters before heading into the Governor's Mansion for a meeting with Huntsman that he was not conceding the state to Romney. "No, of course not," the senator said. "But I know he's very popular here, and deservedly so."

Asked why Utahns should support him over Romney, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like the majority of the state's residents, McCain said the campaign is about how to meet the challenges the nation faces.

"I believe that Gov. Romney is a very fine person and a fine governor. Mayor (Rudy) Giuliani is an American hero," he said, referring to the other major contender for the GOP nomination, the former New York City mayor.

"The Republicans have some good choices this time," said McCain, adding he believes he'll be able to convince the American people that he's the best candidate to make sure "the 21st century is the American century."

Huntsman surprised many Utahns by announcing he would support McCain. Even the governor's own father, billionaire philanthropist Jon Huntsman Sr., is behind Romney. Many speculate that Gov. Huntsman would have a key role in a McCain administration.

"I know that Gov. Huntsman is very happy as the governor of this state," McCain said. "We have not had that discussion. But I don't mind saying that he would certainly be involved in many of the major decisions that would be made at that time. But it's a bit premature to be talking about that now."

McCain spoke at a noontime fund-raiser at the home of David Simmons, owner of Simmons Media Group, which includes 25 radio stations across the country. Simmons, who described McCain as personable and humble, said more than 100 people attended.

"If you ever get a chance to host someone who is truly an American hero, it's an honor to be able to do that," Simmons said. "I'm a great believer in the Republican Party and honored to be able to support this event for Senator McCain."