Possible GOP candidate Jon Huntsman to speak in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Expected GOP presidential candidate and U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman is giving a University of South Carolina commencement speech May 7.

The university confirmed Friday that Huntsman will speak to the graduating classes of its arts, sciences and honors colleges.

Huntsman's speech comes just days after the GOP's first presidential debate May 5 in Greenville, fueling speculation that Huntsman would participate in the Fox News Channel prime time gathering.

An official who has advised the potential Huntsman campaign and has participated in internal deliberations says Huntsman is unlikely to participate in the debate because he's been out of the country for two years. No final decision can be made until he returns.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the thinking within the campaign-in-waiting, which is operating independently of Huntsman.

South Carolina Republican Party executive director Joel Sawyer says several potential participants are expressing interest in the debate.

Huntsman is a former Utah governor. He steps down as U.S. ambassador to China April 30.

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Associated Press writer Philip Elliott contributed to this report from Washington