McCain, though, has continued support from some of state's key Republicans. In addition to Huntsman, McCain's Utah backers include Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and state Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble, R-Provo.

One of Romney's supporters, Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, said in August that McCain was all but out of the race. Bennett called McCain's campaign "just an absolute disaster" that reflected poorly on his leadership ability.

Huntsman, though, said that finances are not what voters care about. "A lot of people's voting will be based on the war on terror and how prepared someone is to deal with that reality."

McCain, who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, is ready for that challenge, Huntsman said.

Still, McCain's ability to attract funds after last quarter's dismal numbers will be closely scrutinized when the next presidential campaign financial disclosure reports required by the Federal Elections Commission come due on Oct. 15.

Tim Bridgewater, the Western states coordinator for McCain, said he expects the candidate to have raised between $4 million and $5 million in the last three months. That's enough to keep McCain in the race, Bridgewater said.

Last month, Bridgewater filed the required paperwork and paid the $500 fee to have McCain included on the Feb. 5 Utah presidential primary ballot. Bridgewater said he expects Romney to win in Utah but McCain to put up a battle in other early states.

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