Huntsman has said Romney's Mormon faith would be "a boon" in some Western states with large LDS populations, but there are "certain Southern states in which that might be a negative."

Huntsman bucked the GOP establishment in Utah by backing McCain early on and has himself been mentioned as a possible vice-presidential contender. The governor has dismissed that possibility, but said Romney's a serious contender.

A Romney vice-presidential run would be good news for GOP candidates this fall, of course. Like Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Cottonwood Heights, who faces a tough race for reelection.

"If Mitt Romney is the vice-presidential nominee, that will be great for all Republicans," Walker said. "Otherwise, the dynamics are tough. Even loyal Republicans are not happy with some of the things in Washington. The deficit spending is very disturbing to me and other Republicans."

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Contributing: Bob Bernick Jr.

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