Huntsman Sets up Federal PAC to Raise Money

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, seen as a potential presidential candidate, is taking the first steps toward building a national political profile by setting up a committee that will let him raise money, hire staff and travel around the country.

Spokesman Tim Miller said Tuesday that Huntsman has filed paperwork to form a political action committee. Miller says this is an "organizational step" and is not a sign that Huntsman would — or would not — launch a presidential campaign.

Huntsman, a Republican, left his post in the Obama administration last week and returned home amid speculation he would run for the White House.

Huntsman has scheduled a weekend visit to South Carolina, which has an early spot on the presidential nominating calendar.