"I've known Mitt all his life," he said. "He is one of the most capable people I've ever run across."

Gov. Huntsman said that because so many eyes were on his state now because of Romney, part of his message of endorsement was that Utah is more politically diverse than outsiders might think. He also said it is never wise to put all of one's eggs in a single basket.

"Either man will have friends in Utah," he said. "My position is that McCain is the best. But if an outgrowth of that is the fact that we're able to hedge our bets in protecting the state's interests longer term, that would be an additional benefit."

Sue Odette, for one, remains unimpressed. Odette, 39, who works in advertising sales for a Salt Lake City television station, said she thought Romney "says what he's told to say," and that Gov. Huntsman was just another politician too.

"I'm looking for sincerity," said Odette, who described herself as a political independent.

She said she was leaning toward Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York who is also seeking the Republican nomination.

"I like people who can hold it together under pressure," she said, "and I've seen Giuliani under pressure after 9/11."