Huntsman boycotts Nevada despite raising money in state

Republican presidential aspirant Jon Huntsman hasn't been shy about raising campaign cash in the state he is now boycotting.

The former Utah governor has raised $156,000 in Nevada for his presidential campaign - making the state his fifth largest contributor behind Utah, California, New York and Florida, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Among the seven Republicans who participated in Tuesday evening's debate in Las Vegas, only Mitt Romney has raised more than Huntsman, pulling in $262,182 in Nevada.

Huntsman boycotted the debate to protest Nevada's decision to schedule its presidential caucus to January 14 -- a move that angered New Hampshire politicos. Huntsman said he was going to boycott the Nevada caucus as well.

While other Republicans were debating on Tuesday, Huntsman held a town hall meeting in New Hampshire. His campaign, meanwhile, reported raising just $1,000 from the Granite State.

Huntsman's campaign overall is in tough financial shape. He has raised $4.4 million, with half of that coming out of his personal fortune. He had only $327,615 cash on hand at the end of September His campaign says it will have enough money to stay in the race until the New Hampshire primary.

In Nevada, Huntsman has drawn substantial financial backing from the Fertitta family, who where the first in the state to contribute to his campaign on June 30, according to Huntsman's latest FEC report. Lorenzo and his wife Teresa, and Frank and wife Jill each gave $2,500.

Huntsman raised at least $98,000 more from individuals who either work for or are associated with Fertitta enterprises including Fertitta Entertainment, Station Casinos and Zuffa, which operates the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Huntsman did not appear to receive any financial help from Caesars Entertainment, although chairman Gary Loveman is a supporter and last month was named to his campaign's business advisory council. The council, which includes Nike co-founder and Chairman Phil Knight, will advise Huntsman on issues related to the economy and jobs.

Among the Republicans who participated in the Nevada debate: Ron Paul has raised $124,468 in the state, Herman Cain $57,900, Newt Gingrich $39,573, Michele Bachmann $33,800, Rick Perry $33,251, and Rick Santorum $29,750.

Perry will likely see his Nevada financial numbers rise. The Texas governor held a fundraiser Wednesday at T-Bones Chophouse at the Red Rock Resort a Station Casinos property.

President Barack Obama has raised $155,468 in Nevada for his re-election campaign, according to FEC.