While Romney was loud and clear in Denver Tuesday in his criticism of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, he had little to say about his vice-presidential chances.

After McCain made his pick official on Friday, Romney issued a statement calling Palin "a Washington outsider with a commitment to the conservative principles that will make our nation stronger."

Romney is scheduled to be in St. Paul, Minn., for the Republican National Convention that begins Monday and will speak to delegates on Tuesday. The only one of his five children living in Utah, Josh Romney, will be there to hear his address.

Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland said the Republican's decision not to go with Romney "might lure some Republicans who are very disappointed" into voting against their party in November.

"I think it means in Utah we'll have the opportunity for a lot of voters to take a look at new candidates," Holland said, suggesting the "religious intolerance and bigotry" of the GOP's right wing toward Mormons may have cost Romney the nomination.

Romney's membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was questioned by some evangelical conservatives during his presidential bid because they did not view him as a fellow Christian.

Huntsman, though, said Romney's faith would not have hurt him with McCain. "I can't imagine that would be a deal-breaker," the governor said. "Certainly, the John McCain I know, that would not be a factor at all."

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