Huntsman officially changes jobs

A man who became one of the state's most popular political figures ever, Jon Huntsman Jr., officially ended his 41/2 years as Utah's chief executive Tuesday, signing his resignation during a brief ceremony held in the Capitol's Gold Room.

Huntsman thanked family, friends and the host of current and past state political figures gathered for the moment, making special note of his relationship with his father, billionaire industrialist Jon Huntsman Sr.

"Everybody needs a best friend in politics, and my dad is my best friend," Huntsman said.

Immediately after affixing his signature to the exit document, Huntsman was sworn in as the new U.S. ambassador to China by his former general counsel and current Utah District Court Judge Michele Christiansen.

The new ambassador and his wife, Mary Kaye Huntsman, then moved to the inauguration stage where Huntsman delivered his final address to the residents of Utah.

"Personally I'm struck by a sense of emptiness, no longer serving as your governor and preparing to leave behind a state and people we love, and a job that has been the most rewarding in my life," he said.

Huntsman recalled highlights of his days in office, revisited moments that moved him and noted the current struggles facing the nation and the state, and voiced his optimism for brighter days ahead.

"In the end, regardless of geography, religion or social status, all Utahns share a common journey and an enduring sense of hope for a better tomorrow," Huntsman said.

After Huntsman's speech, and the close of Gov. Gary Herbert's inauguration ceremony, House Minority Leader David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, called the day a sad one for Utah.

"I think it's a day that is, in some respects, very solemn," Litvack said. "To lose a type of leader like Gov. Huntsman, even as he goes on to great things in his new position, is definitely a loss for the state of Utah."

Salt Lake resident Gail Morgan, who said she was a dedicated supporter of Huntsman, attended the inauguration Tuesday and called him "the best governor we've had." She also noted a hint of sadness in seeing him leave office.

"He did great things as a governor," Morgan said. "I wonder what greater things he could have done if he'd stayed."