Huntsman implies Bachmann’s looks are driving media coverage

Jon Huntsman insists he wasn't trying to insult Michele Bachmann by suggesting her looks are driving media coverage of her 2012 presidential bid.

In an interview with New York Magazine's John Heilemann, the former Utah governor-turned-2012 contender seemed to imply his GOP rival's appearance is a factor in the attention she's getting.

"She makes for good copy--and good photography," Huntsman declared.

In an interview today on Fox News, Huntsman insisted he was merely paying the Minnesota congresswoman a compliment.

"I was trying to compliment Rep. Bachmann. Calling somebody photogenic. Wish we were all that photogenic.," Huntsman said, per GOP 12. "She's an elected official. She's doing a great job, and I have high regard for her."

A Bachmann spokeswoman didn't respond to requests for comment.

This is the second time in recent weeks that Republicans have been caught talking about Bachmann's looks and their impact on her meteoric rise in the early 2012 primary polls. Last month, a top advisor to Tim Pawlenty apologized after he said Bachmann was gaining in popularity because of "sex appeal"--an apology later repeated by Pawlenty himself, who said the remark was "wrong."

Bachmann, for her part, said at the time she wasn't offended and that she believed the remark was a compliment.