once. >> reporter: republicans are livid about this campaign-style tour. >> he's traveling around on a canadian bus, touting american jobs. is that appropriate on the taxpayers' dime since it is clearly campaigning? >> if we're not playing politics and if we're not focused on the election 13 months from now, but we're focused on what can help the economy right now. >> reporter: analysts say it's no coincidence he's traveling through two battleground states. >> his real challenge, though s winning back those moderate swing voters in north carolina and virginia. >> reporter: but will this tour through the south make a difference in washington? >> this thing boils down to a handful of people making a decision behind closed doors, which has nothing to do with the masses of folks that you're in front of at the moment. >> reporter: we'll likely hear more about that tonight at the republican candidate's debate. jon huntsman won't be there. he's holding a town hall instead in new hampshire. he's boycotting the debate because nevada moved its caucuses ahead of new hampshire's primary. ach a sobew