Jon Huntsman

The former Utah governor had a bankable blend of looks, charm, money, conservative karma and international street cred. Best of all, perhaps, was his ability to sit down with a big-time journalist and talk a good game.

Huntsman's candidacy never resonated with Republican primary voters. In announcing his withdrawal from the race, he says he will support Romney, calling him the "best equipped" to defeat President Obama.

Campaign officials said the former Utah governor will announce his withdrawal today at an event in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Huntsman's resume had suggested he could be a major contender, but his brand of moderate civility never took.

Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman is pulling out of the presidential nominating race. He is expected to endorse front-runner Mitt Romney. The South Carolina primary is this Saturday.

It's just the first Republican primary. But a convincing win in New Hampshire should give Mitt Romney considerable momentum in his quest toward the GOP nomination. Romney easily captured New Hampshire a week after barely winning the Iowa caucuses. Texas Rep. Ron Paul finished second.

As they left polling places Tuesday afternoon, many voters revealed they'd made up their minds in the last days of the race.

Two Mormon missionaries in New Hampshire are often asked about their political loyalties while they proselytize. But the young men try to keep church separate from Granite State.

Pundits, reporters and campaigns have put a lot of energy into setting expectations for the candidates' performances. But playing the expectations game doesn't always land you on top or, for that matter, anywhere at all.

If the New Hampshire primary goes as expected, Mitt Romney should emerge the winner. How big he wins will matter because polls have shown him with a commanding lead. But New Hampshire could provide a surprise in a GOP presidential race that has already had more than a few.

Rick Santorum has complained about being disregarded during a string of Republican presidential debates. The former Pennsylvania senator has a point, but should be at the center of attention during a pair of televised debates this weekend that lead into the New Hampshire primary.