Huntsman still introducing himself in N.H.

“He comes off as civil and intelligent,’’ said Tim Farrell, a Republican real estate broker and undecided voter from Bennington. “That seems to be a rare breed.’’

In New Hampshire, Huntsman hired 21 staff members and plans to open multiple offices. New Hampshire Republican strategist Jamie Burnett, of Profile Strategy Group, said that may be the largest paid staff ever in New Hampshire for a Republican primary campaign.

Huntsman has hired well-regarded Granite Staters: his New Hampshire strategist, Paul Collins, was Senator John Sununu’s chief of staff, and deputy state campaign manager Matt Flanders worked for John McCain in 2008.

He has his work cut out for him. The most common response from voters asked about Huntsman was “undecided.’’

Joyce Bowden, an independent voter from Dover and a retired insurance adjuster, voiced a question that has been echoed by political strategists. “My question for him tonight is, what’s going to set you apart from the others?’’ Bowden said at a house party.

Huntsman’s position as ambassador under President Obama - and past stances like implementing a cap and trade policy and supporting in-state tuition for children of illegal immigrants - may make it tough for him to attract support from GOP conservatives.

Still, Huntsman is generating interest among moderates. Cindy Cooper, a gynecologist from Durham and independent voter, likes that Huntsman was the only GOP candidate to support the recent compromise between Congress and the president raising the debt ceiling. “It’s a good sign that he’s willing to compromise,’’ Cooper said.

— Shira Schoenberg

Bachmann slams Obama for S&P downgrade WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota called last night for the resignation of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner following news of the downgrade of the country’s credit rating by Standard & Poor’s.