DURHAM, NH – Jon Huntsman declared himself the “underdog” in the Granite state, but said Rick Santorum’s come from behind near-victory in Iowa proves the importance of grassroots politics.
“I’m the underdog in this race, make no mistake about it,” Huntsman told hundreds of employees at printing press manufacturer Goss International, after touring the company’s plant here. “But you know what? New Hampshire loves its underdogs.”
Huntsman didn’t contest Iowa, instead spending his time in New Hampshire. He told reporters after his talk that Santorum’s late surge despite his limited resources showed that, “investing in grassroots politics, the old Adlai Stevenson shoe leather on the ground, endless town hall meetings and house parties, does pay off.”
The New Hampshire Union Leader reported that the first post-Iowa poll put Huntsman in third place, at 13 percent, far behind Romney’s 47 percent, but within striking distance of Ron Paul’s second place 17 percent. The poll also showed Santorum at 10 percent and Newt Gingrich at fifth with 9 percent.
