"She's a hockey mom, a hunter, a hard-hitting reformer, and quite frankly, she's not afraid in a little town called Washington to kick a few fannies and raise a little hell," Huntsman said, a cold making his voice crack.
"In a world of artificiality, we are looking for originality, we are looking for authenticity, we are looking for a rebel, a renegade - we are looking for Sarah," Huntsman shouted.
A raucous crowd soon after seconded a motion to put the Alaska governor's name into nomination.
Huntsman, who was previously bumped from his speaking slot at the convention, drew cheers as he walked onto the stage and declared, "Hockey moms of the world unite."
The Utah Republican, who supported GOP presidential nominee John McCain since he launched his campaign, heaped praise on Palin, who he knows through his role as chairman of the Western Governors Association.
"My friend Sarah has shown her strength, and tenacity to stand up for what she believes in, to stand up for the taxpayers, to stand up for real energy independence, and to stand up for America," Huntsman said.
"And tonight - tonight it is time to stand in support of her! Let's stand up for Sarah everybody."
With thousands of delegates on their feet, Huntsman then started a chant of Palin's first name.
After spending a week circulating among reporters on radio, television and in roundtables, Huntsman hit the national stage suffering from a common cold, according to his office. He struggled through his speech, his voice hoarse and gravely.
But the cold didn't keep Huntsman from his 7-minute speech, where he called Palin a "beacon of light" and "just what America need."
