The Hill News

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge (R) said he's particularly "intrigued" by the possible presidential candidacy of former Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman (R).

Ridge, who served in the Bush administration as the first secretary of Homeland Security, said that he was partial to governors â€" including former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) â€" and that Huntsman, a former governor of Utah, stood out.

"I'm partial to governors â€" governors have to solve problems, don't just give speeches. We've got three really capable governors in this race," Ridge said on CNBC.

"And I think the added benefit to someone like Jon Huntsman â€" I'm intrigued by his candidacy, not really committed to any candidate yet â€" but that wealth of foreign policy experience, particularly as it relates to China, their geopolitical position, the economic position, the biggest challenge to the United States for the foreseeab! le future involves our relationship with China," he said. "So I happen to agree with you: He's a very intriguing candidate."

Huntsman has reportedly been aggressive in courting Ridge, who had long been talked about as a potential presidential or vice presidential candidate on the GOP ticket. Ridge is regarded as a relative centrist for his support for abortion-rights, among other issues.

Howard Dean, the former Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman, said he thought Huntsman would be "the most formidable" Republican nominee, but wouldn't win the nomination because he's "too moderate."

Dean predicted that, if the election were held today, President Obama would win reelection and Democrats would retake the House, but lose ! the Senate.