Election 101: Ten facts about Jon Huntsman and his presidential campaign

Jon Huntsman, President Obama's former China ambassador declared his candidacy for the presidency. Dubbed “the Republican Democrats fear most,” the handsome, cerebral former governor of Utah often draws comparisons to Mr. Obama. Will that be an asset or a handicap?

9. What is his family and religious background?

Stan Honda / AFP Photo / Newscom
Jon Huntsman gets a hug from daughter Asha after his June 21 announcement at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J.

Huntsman is married to Mary Kaye Cooper, with whom he has seven children. He is also a third cousin, once removed, of contender Mitt Romney.

A Mormon, Huntsman is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though he takes pains to portray himself as a Republican who happens to be a Mormon, not a Mormon Republican.

“I can’t say I am overly religious,” Huntsman told Fortune magazine. “I get satisfaction from many different types of religions and philosophies.”

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