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Huntsman staying course

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JD | 1:28 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
I lost a lot of respect for Huntsman when he endorsed McCain the weisel. But Huntsman is going nowhere, as McCain is gonna lose big in the general election.
Walker fan | 6:09 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Huntsman is doing a good job and will be re-elected easily. If he is asked to serve in a prominent DC position under a McCain administration he should do it. Like Leavitt's decision, it will help our state to have talented people in important federal positions. We can only hope that Huntsman's successor would do as good a job as Leavitt"s.
Wendy | 6:47 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
THIS GUY AND HIS LOVE FOR MCCAIN BUGS ME! AND IF HE THINK HE IS GOING TO BE ABLE TO BE PRESIDENT SOMEDAY, HE DOESN'T STAND A CHANCE!
Comments continue below
Sam | 6:48 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
I was also suprised when huntsman endorsed McCain over Romney. What was up with that? I do think he is doing a good job as our Governor and agree with Walker fan that he would be re-elected easily here if he chooses to run again.
To JD 1:28 | 6:56 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
McCain is not a weasel, and our govenor is not wrong for having endorsed him. They may have different views on what is right than you do, no doubt they are both more moderate. Conservatives these days are very pig-headed. They somehow think that all Republicans need to think and believe the way they do. There are other legitimate approaches to life than conservatism. Its not your way or the highway.
The Truth | 7:05 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Utah Republicans, wake up to the huge disconnect: You ovewhelmingly support Romney. You ovewhelmingly distrust and detest McCain. Yet you give Huntsman very high approval ratings and are poised to re-elect him again this Fall. Don't you see the disconnect? Huntsman's supports McCain for one very simple, easy-to-understand reason: HUNTSMAN IS LIKE MCCAIN. THE TWO ARE OF THE SAME ILK. Huntsman is just as liberal as McCain. They are two peas in a pod. That's the big secret in Utah. Like sleep-walking zombies, we Utah Republicans just assume Huntsman is okay because of his daddy. I'm here to tell you Huntsman, Jr. is not his daddy's son. Study the issues, the stand Huntsman takes on many issues, the way he kisses up to California's Governator and the wacko enviro lobby, etc.

So, to Utah Republicans everywhere who feel so angry and disenfranchised about McCain's prevailing over Romney, and don't know how to express or channel that frustration, I have one piece of advice: Vent your frustration constructively by electing somebody other than Huntsan, Jr. as Governor this fall. It all starts with picking and electing a new Repulican Governor nominee at the convention. Go for it!
Conservative Ed | 7:11 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
At last there is some sort of a response to questions about his involvement in the McCain campaign however evasive it remains yet it is a response. What we have here is a man who is out of touch with the mainstream most likely to vote in the state of Utah.
While I agree with many of the things he thinks and his goals they remain as common sense �to do� items for our state, therefore many are qualified. I believe that an agenda concealed by the word �presumptuous� in response to an honest question as to why he has obligated himself to alignment with the association and therefore �goes with the flow� of governors is ludicrous. Also, why have a web site that indicates there will be a response when there is no intention of doing so???? Bottom line, �Out of Touch�.
YOUR GOOD | 7:14 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
But I say don't quit your day job...McCain was really exposed by Romney plus America is tired of the ol' guns or butter approach. Locally I see him as moving the state in a most prolific manner affecting Utahns in positive direction! It is great to have him as governor as he actually has alot more leverage in helping what is pertinent to the state. And I am not republican but will vote for him.
Amused | 7:20 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Huntsman's duplicity regarding his support for McCain is as follows: Huntsman hungers for the chance for ascendancy that jumping on the Huntsman bandwagon would give him, yet he's sort of ashamed of tagging onto McCain given Romney's Utah-based popularity.

Evidence of this shuffling duplicity could be seen at the McCain accertance-victory speech the night of super Tuesday. When the speech first appeared on our Televesion screens, who did we see standing behind McCain on the stage next to Democrat Joe Liebernan? Huntsman. Then, little by little, a half inch here, a half inch there, Huntsman slowly shifted and edged to his right until his face was safely hidden from the Camera by what? Cindy McCain's big poofy hairdo. It was hilarious to behold: Huntsman so proud to be on stage, until he realied that, oops, the people in Utah will be angry that I'm aligned with the force that defeated their Romney hero. So I'll just have the best of all worlds by hiding behind Cindy's hair-do.

Don't you love politicians?
C.P. | 7:26 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
You can be sure that the 90% who voted for Mitt will remember "Jr's" dupliity in supporting McLiar when re-eletion time rolls around.
J | 7:30 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Let us hope Mitt Romney will capitalize on his political popularity in Utah and oust our quasi-liberal governor.

Mitt Romney for Utah Governor '08!
keevinwho | 7:57 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
How heroic to back Mccain. But when little napoleon meets his waterloo in November, Huntsman & Shurtleff(whimp and gimp) wont be patting themselves on the back anymore and will be kneeling before Romney for the next cycle.
Joe Moe | 7:51 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Presumptuous is the word -- McCain has a tough row to hoe.

But Huntsman embarrassed? If he were embarrassed, why would he have endorsed him? He endorsed him because, like "The Truth 7:05" said, he's like him.

However, unlike "The Truth," I like them both. The Big Tent of Reagan is a shambles today. Just because someone is moderate, "The Truth" and others of his "ilk" (e.g., Rush) would tell us they're not Republicans. Whatever. It's almost as if conservative Republicans WANT to jettison half their party. Now, that makes sense.

Huntsman and McCain are both Republicans, they're both good leaders, and, sorry, they're not going to agree with you on every issue. Who is?
airbag | 8:10 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
now you know why I voted for Karras
St. George Resident | 8:27 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
I HOPE THAT ALL OF THE UTAHANS THAT VOTED FOR MCCAIN IN THE PRIMARY WILL COME OUT AND SUPPORT HUNTSMAN. ALL 8% OF THEM. ALL THOSE THAT SUPPORTED MITT SHOULD VOTE FOR WHOEVER RUNS AGAINT OUR PRO-AMNESTY, MCCAIN LOVING LIBERAL GOVERNOR.

MITT FOR UTAH GOVERNOR IN '08' WOULD BE AWESOME!
Tired of Status Quo | 8:35 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
I felt hope with the election of Bush . . . 7 years ago. Now, I'm embarrassed by what he has done (along with Congress), and I don't want more of the same -- I don't want McCain going in to just continue the miserable efforts of the past several years.

I'm a proud Republican (but NOT an extremist). I want what is best for the country. I'm voting for OBAMA (like many of my friends and I did during the Utah primaries last week). At worst, OBAMA will simply remind people of why we need a Republican in office, but I believe we will have some tremendous upside with him as well. Though that is what I thought about Bush too . . .

McCain is just too much of the same . . . I'm confused because I like Gov. Huntsman Jr., but his personal needs and efforts to build his own legacy seem to consume him. Governor - there is plenty of time to run for President. Please continue to focus on the State and help our teachers, infrastructure, businesses, and citizens.
Anonymous | 8:42 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
I dont think Huntsman has done a good job, I dont think he has done anything beneficial for this state what so ever. I hope and pray that somebody else who is electable will step up and run against Huntsman and win.
Anonymous | 8:40 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Did anyone see Tim Russert and McCains Mother,
Bashing and Snickering at Mitt Romney and his religion on National T.V.??? Isnt Huntsman a Mormon???
And he wants to support McCain who's family openly opposes his religion on T.V., If it was just opposition I would shrug it off, but it was down Right rude... If anyone Critized my religion like that I would not support them.... The country will get what they vote for, hopefully It will Be Barrack...........
phebe | 8:55 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
McCain will never be president so Gov Huntsman will have to give up on his big hopes for an appointment.
I really wish someone would give Huntsman an appointment and get him out of Utah.

I voted for the Gov but never will make that mistake again. He's too liberal for me.
SLC Resident | 9:03 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
What Nerve!!! Huntsman voting for his choice of candidate and not with the flock. How dare he??? It just shows what a bunch the rest of you are, doesn't it?
I think the GUV's GREAT!!! | 9:21 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Quit picking on the guv. Our state is in the best shape it's ever been in. We have the number one economy in the nation!!! The new capitol renovation is gorgeous. We still have jobs. Teachers will be getting more pay. And you gotta love the guv in a motorcycle jacket.

You guys are just jealous 'cause the "governator" doesn't hang out, and make advertisements, with you. Huntsman has been GREAT for Utah, and you all know it!

Quit being so petty, just 'cause he didn't support Mitt. Everyone has a right to their own friends and their own opinions.
vern | 9:22 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
YOUR EITHER FOR UTAH OR AGAINST UTAH.!!!!!!gov.if you can't make up your mind then the VOTERS will come next election.get in,get out or get run over!!!
SLC RESIDENT 2 | 9:23 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
I love the comments claiming that Huntsman has done a poor job as Governor or that he needs to voted out of office. Do you all realize what the Governor's administration has done to Utah's economy? It is the best economy in the nation!!!! Tourism is booming, companies are setting their sites on Utah, etc. Yet, because he supported someone other than Mitt for the Presidency, as did most of the rest of the country, you all want to vote him out??!! The extreme right in Utah needs a wake up call and realize that there is a moderate base of Republicans who are able to support other ideas than extremists and are able to work with politicians and leaders with an array of views.
To: SLC Resident | 9:29 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Isn't it fun to simply point at the Utah crowd? Why take such pot shots?

Why don't we discuss the crowd mentality supporting Clinton or Huckabee (for obviously different reasons, but a crowd mentality that verges on extremism at all costs)?

Come on, make good comments!
Concern Voter | 9:42 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
I have a real problem with Gov Huntsman. I have a hard time understanding his backing of McCain because of the overwheling backing of Gov Rommey of 90% plus in the State of Utah. Gov Huntsman and Utah have some major difference. I am not saying Gov Huntsman is bad, he just doesn't represent the majority of Utah Voters. If this State had been split on Rommey and McCain, I wouldn't have a problem with his backing of McCain. I think it is politcal suicide to go against the majority of Utah Voters. I hope the Republican Party gives us another option for our Governor in the next election. When it comes to Utah, the voters aren't afraid to vote for a Democrate, we have had some very good Democrate Governors.
Missouri Observer | 9:38 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
I fear once again that Utah is somewhat out of touch with the rest of the country. For those who support Mitt Romney for Governor (I think he'd do a great job), that's never gonna happen. Mr. Romney has learned from his recent experience that having "LDS baggage" spells disaster for a national campaign. The so called Christian Conservatives in the South will NEVER support a candidate from Utah, even one as right-wing as Mitt. Huckabee, whose left-leaning tax-hiking background should have made him out in the cold with Evangelicals, became their darling as a former preacher and anti-Mormon candidate. By supporting Huckabee, they guaranteed the nomination of McCain.

They are a powerful voting bloc in national Republican politics, and apparently would rather elect a liberal "republican" than a conservative Mormon.

Having Mitt become governor of Utah would immediately disqualify him from seeking any future national office. And Huntsman for national government position? Get serious! McCain owes way too much to Huckabee to ever consider Utah baggage for those Evangelicals to HOWL about.
Anonymous | 9:52 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
To all my fellow LDS conservative Republicans; Romney lost! Get over it. Romney was a flip flopper, not the second coming!
Are you kidding me? | 9:55 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Do we thank our governor or any government worker that our economy is doing good? No, it's We The People that run the economy the best, if only the government would stay out of most of our business. That is the reason Utah is doing so well. McCain is a man of Deceit and so is Huntsman as I've seen him change his opinion depending on who he is speaking to. When people vote for someone and then realize they would not vote for them again, it's because they do not research the candidate but vote for party only.
Let's do that this election and vote for the person that best represents our views.
Clay | 9:57 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
What serves Utah better...supporting a candidate who can't win nationally, or supporting a candidate with a very good chance of winning nationally? I think that the governor has done an exceptional job. He's pragmatic and thoughtful and doesn't pander to any one political group. Keep up the good work, governor!
shurts | 10:11 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Teachers are not getting paid much more. For example a district in the north of the state is advertising for a network person with a two year associates degree for 10,000$ more than the top scale a teacher with a Phd can make after 25 years. Don't think that teachers are not leaving the state right and left.
shurts | 10:15 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
You say Hunstman is increasing wages for teachers. Just a minute amount. Some districts only 1200$. You can check teachers pay at your local district website.
One district up north is advertising for a network person who must have an associates (2 yr degree)for 10,000$ pay more than a teacher with a phd can earn after 25 yrs.
Scooter | 10:56 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Huntsman is nothing but a charlatan, he doesn't have a clue. He supports Arnold in California, just wait for all his global warming legeslation to take effect.

If you think that energy prices and power are high now just wait until they implement their agenda.

Jon Jr. also supporting McCain who is an absolute joke. I guarantee McCain's hot temper will not stay checked before November. Huntsman is nothing but a weasel. He doesn't represent anything I stand for!

Mitt for Governor 2008

Just Wondering | 11:33 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
I'm just wondering what most of the bloggers would say if they didn't have Rush and Hannity to make up phrases for them. Most of the anti McCain (BTW, I'm not even a supporter of McCain) comments are straight from talk radio. These mean-spirited, name calling comments do not reflect LDS teachings yet most writers claim to be LDS. Hmmmmmmm think about it!
Too Funny | 11:49 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Most of these posts are hilarious. Huntsman is a "man of deceit"? What? He gave his personal endorsement to McCain. He didn't endorse McCain for the whole state. In case you haven't noticed McCain took Romney to the woodshed, so Huntsman is smarter than 90% of the Republican voters in the state of Utah.

Political work is accomplished in the moderate middle. Look at why Reagan was successful. Being too liberal or too conservative gets you bickering, just like the last many years.

And finally, to call Huntsman or McCain too liberal makes me laugh. If you had found out anything about Romney besides his religion before you voted for him you would know that he basically ran as a Democrat when he was governor of Massachusetts. You couldn't have paid me to vote for him.
average Utahn | 12:46 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
...long time reader, first time poster...thanks for having me.

Apparently these message boards will let just about anyone on - and its clearly reflected in the value of the comments being made. For example, the level of ignorance in the anti-Huntsman rhetoric is baffling. I'll concede that my opinion is worth just about as much as anyone else's, but how can one argue against the other headlines relating to the Governor?

- �Lowest Unemployment in the U.S.�
- �Record Funding for Education & Teacher Pay�
- �Best-Managed State Government in the U.S.�
- �Record Funding for Transportation�
- �Market-Based Healthcare Reform�
- �Strongest Economy in the U.S.�

This isn't the kind of leadership we want?
Craig | 1:14 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
1. No Republican will run against Huntsman this year and he will get the nomination.
2. Republicans will vote for Huntsman in the general election, despite his endorsement of McCain, and he will easily win reelection. People have short memories.
3. If McCain wins the presidency and appoints Huntsman to a federal position, Gary Herbert will be the next governor of Utah.
Scooter | 1:49 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
To Average Utahn: The economy in Utah, based on your list was great before JJ became Governor. He had absolutely nothing to do with how well Utah has done. The Legislature has done far more good than JJ has. But give JJ another 4 years and watch as our economy tanks if he dictates his agenda (global warming) and the such.
Utah Dem | 2:08 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
To Walker Fan - Hunstman is okay, just okay. Please remember when it comes to re-election how he turned his back on public education by endorsing vouchers - I believe he was one of the many arm-twisters with the wimpy Republican legislators. And also remember the Real Soccer Stadium, he couldn't sign away $35 mil fast enough.
The Republican SHEEP in this state have no idea how to determine a good candidate, it's strictly party line!

Kyle from AZ | 2:28 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
There will be no McCain administration so yes he is right to call it presumptive. McCain can try all he wants to convince the conservatives he is one of us but none should forget the possibility of him running as John Kerry's running mate in the last election. That tells all the story you need to know. He boasts of reaching acroos the aisle to get things done. I hate to tell Mr. McCain this but it is hard to reach across something you are standing in the middle of.
Crystal Clear | 3:10 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Clearly average Utahn doesn't understand the purpose and role of government. Government can only give what it first must take. A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have.

Bashing far right conservative Republicans and insisting they need to adopt a middle ground position is like asking LDS members to adopt a little Catholic, Protestant, and Islamic doctrine so as to be a PC big tent church.

The platform of Republicanism is conservatism! It is not liberal nor moderate in it's principles. Why do the liberals of every shade continue to insist on being a Republican while maintaining their liberal philosophy? That's why the other parties exist.

Contrary to the above posts that conservatives can't win, conservatism is the only ticket that consistently wins. Reagan ran a conservative campaign not a moderate.

If Utah has the best economy in the nation (relative to what) it was because Mitt Romney laid the foundation for it in the 2002 Olympics.

But Kudos to Huntsman's REAL soccer debacle, giant increases in energy, property tax, and crime (think illegals). We should be proud.

Kyle from AZ | 3:33 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Bigotry against Mormons has existed from the beginning and is evidenced to a large extent by comments I see all the time on here. Bigotry against any group is mental salve for the intellectual coward who is not mature enough to see and understand somebody else's point of view. It is too bad that bigotry exists in the world today. You'd think that as citizens of the greatest nation on earth we could overcome this. Unfortunately comment boards like this bring out the worst in people. I would seriuosly doubt that any one who slurs another person because of race, religion, or sex would do so if they actually met the person face to face. Look inside yourseves, do you feel better when you slander or stereotype entire groups of people? May we all learn to be more tolerant, mormon and non-mormon alike, so as to allow all freedom of expression and thought without the underlying tone of bigotry and hate.
average Utahn | 5:00 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Dear "Scooter" - Its hard to understand how you disagree with the position that the Governor is influential...by arguing that he's going to 'dictate' us into economic desolation.

Dear "Crystal Clear" - The purpose of government is to facilitate the things the people need, but the private sector can't/won't (transportation, corrections, etc). If you disagree with the size of government, take it up with the legislature (that's why they are called the legislative branch). If you disagree with the way that the "best-managed-state" is being run, then take it up with the Governor (that's why they call it the executive branch). I assume that the rest of your tirade was directed at the other posts.
Bob Kjar | 7:05 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Huntsman Jr. needs to be spanked soundly by his father. A man who would sell himself out to the liberal cause doesn't deserve to be govenor of a great conserative state like Utah just like McCain doesn't deserve to be president as a conservative. Let them both declair for the liberal cause and let's be done with it.
Gretzky | 8:52 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
"The Truth" has set you free. Huntsman is a McAint supporter. This should tell you something. Don't be fooled by the Huntsman name. It's truly sad that politics is bought with the highest dollar but that is how it works in a free market society. Cozying up to the Terminator and the other environmentalist wackos is a big clue to where the Utah Guvernator stands on most other issues.
Mr. Bigglesworth | 9:27 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Boy, I'll tell ya what, this Governer has been in the tanning bed too long.
Staying Course | 9:37 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Huntsman staying course and doing nothing. Seriously, does this guy do anything? He never has an opinion on anything and never stands up to the legislature.
Keep it up guv | 10:42 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Gov. Huntsman is bringing the state out of obscurity and expanding it's once local economy to a more regional/national one.

I am proud of him for having a conscience in protecting our environment and the future of our state.

I hope he keeps it up, in spite of the extremists in the state seeking some sort of ultra conservativism.
Conservative Ed | 11:47 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
To Average Utahn.
Your list of accomplishments you accredit to our Governor are as follows:

- �Lowest Unemployment in the U.S.�
- �Record Funding for Education & Teacher Pay�
- �Best-Managed State Government in the U.S.�
- �Record Funding for Transportation�
- �Market-Based Healthcare Reform�
- �Strongest Economy in the U.S.�

We must follow-up then with this important question, what did he do personally to bring all this about? It seems to me that for Governor Huntsman to take credit for what you have indicated is just the same as Bill Clinton taking credit for an economy he inherited from someone else�s efforts before him, which is exactly what he did.. I have another question, how do you think the people living in Carbon County feel about the Governor as a result of his handling of the Mine tragedy?

Huntsman | 2:03 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008
Supporting John McCain is a notion he will be moving along
John McCain is to old and Huntsman we don't need as a vice
He is a vice already

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