RENO, Nev. — Campaigning for president in neighboring Nevada, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman says he doesn't believe his Mormonism will — or should — be an issue in his bid for the 2012 GOP nomination.
Huntsman told reporters at the Reno Rodeo Friday night: "I'm not running for guru here."
The ex-ambassador to China is targeting the early caucus swing state where Republicans sided with ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in 2008.
Romney also is Mormon. So is Nevada Democratic Sen. Harry Reid, who said earlier this week he likes Huntsman better than Romney.
Huntsman says he doesn't expect the GOP race to break along religious lines. He says it will turn on issues and who has a proven track record and world view to get the country back on its feet.