Reader comments
Governor Huntsman causing national, local stir

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Kenneth in Texas | 12:38 p.m. May 5, 2009
Touting Mitt Romney's win in "Utah's Republican primary last year with a whopping 90 percent of the vote" isn't really news. But, it would be interesting how Romney vs. Huntsman would turn out in a Utah Republican primary.
scarecrow | 12:47 p.m. May 5, 2009
Huntsman is not a viable candidate. he has no business experience, just political jobs he got through his father. he did not even graduate from college. he is not a true conservative. once his environmental positions and gay rights positions are vetted, he will disappear as a republican contender.
Anonymous | 12:50 p.m. May 5, 2009
Good thing he is going to run for something other than govenor, as he would have a hard time wining that. I am conservative and Republican and I definitely will not vote for Huntsman.
Comments continue below
FM | 1:06 p.m. May 5, 2009
Did you vote for him last election?
Huntsman? | 1:11 p.m. May 5, 2009
I would never vote for someone as liberal as Huntsman. He's a wolf in sheeps clothing if I have ever seen one.

Sorry folks but it is still Romney all the way as far as Utah is concerned.
Driftin | 1:14 p.m. May 5, 2009
I wouldnt vote for him. He no longer even represents the views of Utah citizens anymore. He is a wayward duck that is conforming to liberal views just to get more publicity. Not at all for him, wouldnt even vote him governor.
LDS | 1:28 p.m. May 5, 2009
Have you all forgotten the "LDS" factor? Doesn't matter how good Huntsman, or Romney for that matter may be, as long as the country is filled with LDS bigotry and ignorance I doubt you'll see one of them elected.

Besides, the liberals will be fully enjoying socialism by 2012 so President Obama will likely get to repeat for a second term anyway, regardless of the competition.
Common guy | 1:31 p.m. May 5, 2009
Don't you realize the GOP got kicked in the gut last year. I like Huntsman's views. It is about time someone led this state to be more "green". The civil union is the only position that removes sympathy without compromising marriage.

Governor Huntsman is right. We need to move the party more to the center, we need to be the rational party and be more palatable to moderates so that they will not empower the liberal left to move on with their agenda.
Huntsman or Romney | 1:40 p.m. May 5, 2009
I think either would be better than what we have. Romney has a better business backgroud, but then again Huntsman has done an excellent job with Utah's budget and has shown he can run an office.

Huntsman should get the nod over Romney, as long as he doesn't start changing his views (even if some think they are too liberal).
pro-Huntsman | 1:49 p.m. May 5, 2009
I'd vote for Huntsman and admire him for sticking his neck out there when most of the GOP is busy seeing who can tick their heads in the ground furthest.
I hope not | 2:05 p.m. May 5, 2009
I've had enough of the republican party
Political ANIMALS!! | 2:14 p.m. May 5, 2009
That is what they all are and people on BOTH SIDES ought to wake up and take note. These people are using and abusing the general citizenry for votes so they can gain POWER and PRESTIGE.

Term Limits is the only way to keep these corrupt power grubbing animals from trashing our country with the back-room deals.

Politics, money, lobbyists, special interests first.....THEN...if there is any time left over they might consider the needs of the average citizen.

That is how it goes and don't pretend it doesn't. Both sides ought to realize their candidate ought to be in office for as little time as possible. After that they just "settle in" and start taking care of themselves and setting up some "consulting or lobbyist" deal after they leave office on a LIFETIME PENSION at taxpayer expense!!!!

Don't let it continue people.
RE: pro-Huntsman | 2:30 p.m. May 5, 2009
Hunstamn has shown penchant for speaking up on an issue like vouvhers,

but when it comes time to truly stand up and fight for something he disappears. just like with vouchers,


so just like that he talk good game on civil unions,

but he will disappear like he always does when push comes to shove.

Hunstaman will talk for political expedience, but he is a coward and will not actually fight for anything.

Do you see him actually fighting for civil unions?
To Common Guy | 2:33 p.m. May 5, 2009
you hit the nail on the head. I agree, we need more moderates in government who think for themselves instead of following party lines.
JASON | 2:50 p.m. May 5, 2009
ARE WE ALREADY TALKING ABOUT 2012? GIVE IT A REST PEOPLE!!! THAT IS OVER 3 YEARS AWAY, DON'T WE HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO TALK ABOUT??? TOO MANY HANNITY LISTENERS ON HERE, GIVE ME A BREAK
Anonymous | 3:18 p.m. May 5, 2009
If it is like this last election, the announcements will start in 2010. Hold on to your seats.
just mine | 3:51 p.m. May 5, 2009
Common Guy got it right... It's Moderates like Huntsman that are going to help revive the Republican Party. As opposed to the religious far-right that seem to be in control of the party now...
Ted | 4:12 p.m. May 5, 2009
To Scarecrow: Whether or not you like Huntsman's politics you should get your facts straight about his personal life. He HAS had a great deal of business experience, he IS a college graduate and he IS a fiscal conservative. He's also an honest, self-term-limiting politician who will get my solid support regardless of what his next step may be.
Anonymous | 4:24 p.m. May 5, 2009
David Plouffe is just trying to push a liberal republican to divide the party. It worked with McCain and it will continue to work with other RINOs. The future of the party is conservatism only.

For the pestimist republican or optimist democrat remember we were in the same position in 67, 75, and 93. All three times it was the Democrats that let America down that allowed the republicans to jump right in. It happened then and it will happen again. History always repeats itself and politics never stays the same for very long.
John Wicks | 4:35 p.m. May 5, 2009
The governor is a real loser. I would never vote for him. He should spend his time letting his hair go gray or dye it all. Gray on the sides only just does not cut it. I guess he is a slave to fashion.
Steve | 5:01 p.m. May 5, 2009
To Ted & Scarecrow: Huntsman did graduate from college but only with Daddy's help. He did not graduate from High School though. The only business experience he has is with daddy's companies. Romney built his business experience from the groud up.
Please research before you speak.
Rich | 5:37 p.m. May 5, 2009
Huntsman is too much like McCain for my liking but without the experience. He caved on global warming, signing an agreement that I'm confident our Legislature would not approve. I admire his working on the alcohol issue, but his approach to cutting the budget was the most chicken-livered way to approach the problem, make a standard cut across the board rather than keep the essential programs untouched and make cuts in nonessential programs. I think he's a moderate, and no moderate will win the Republican primaries or generate the type of support needed to get out at least 60 million voters. I would support Romney or Palin. Neither is perfect, but I would trust either one over the Socialist we have in office now.
Anonymous | 7:15 p.m. May 5, 2009
I would love to see Romney win in 2012. Playing devils advocate, can someone explain to me why Huckabee does not seem to be a big threat to Romney in 2012? He finished 3rd in 2008 and has strong support from the South. Why is he not considered more of a force?
HUntsman? | 7:43 p.m. May 5, 2009
The chances of Huntsman or Romney being elected president of these here united states of america is equal to the chance I have of making the Utah Jazz team next year. I am 63, somewhat in shape, have a vertical of 6 inches maybe, and wear tri-focals.

Putting such fantasy in the newspaper sells papers, but please put it in the weird news column or page, right next to 4 headed woman reads 16 books at a time with super vision!!!!

ain't gonna happen, g.i.
George | 8:10 p.m. May 5, 2009
With a candidate like Governor Huntsman I may come back to the Republican Party. We need a different voice than Rush Limbaugh
Anonymous | 1:41 a.m. May 6, 2009
Conservatives are like the Taliban, oppressive and rule by iron fist. The republicans are through unless people like Huntsman can gain traction and turn the party to another more moderate direction. Conservatism is dead!
huh | 1:45 a.m. May 6, 2009
to steve: do you not know who romney's father was? he wouldnt be anywhere without his dad's business connections. Both romney and huntsman rely heavily on their family connections for their success and power. That said romney has shown me that he has no real ideals or solid policy convictions, he is in it strictly to be elected and will say and do whatever is necessary to get elected. Huntsman and people like him are the only way i would even consider returning to the republican party
Joe | 1:46 a.m. May 6, 2009
Hooray for liberal ideals!!
ernest hemple | 4:06 a.m. May 6, 2009
It's not going to happen. Huntsman is a liberal. Support for homosexuals is undermining our society. Romney is going ot be the next Republican nominee for president and hopefully he will win. Huntsman is an embarrassment to the state and party.
I for one will work to defeat this egotistic, power hungry liberal. He is a fool and will one day face his creator on will have a lot of repenting to do. Where much is given, much is required. By the way, the Republican party needs to change by sticking to conservative values: family, less government, compassion and lower taxes.
Anon | 4:54 a.m. May 6, 2009
Who needs Huntsman when we already have a liberal in the White House?
Anonymous | 5:15 a.m. May 6, 2009
If this country won't elect a Mormon from Massachusetts, why would anyone think this country would elect a Mormon from Utah?
Dell | 5:30 a.m. May 6, 2009
If Huntsman does end up running he shouldn't hire any of the McCain people for his campaign, they did a terrible job presenting McCain and Palin.
Guv Gone Wild! | 6:03 a.m. May 6, 2009
Hey, this guy has flipped into the ozone. Can you spell R-E-C-A-L-L?
Big Pete | 6:57 a.m. May 6, 2009
Not only are Huntsman's positions wrong on so many issues, he is a political lightweight. He has a very average IQ and isn't a very good speaker. I wish he would just get out of the political arena and go run his father's business into the ground, which is about all he is capable of. I can't stand the guy. I won't say he has been a disappointment as governor because I didn't expect anything when he was elected. I must say his very liberal positions have surprised me, though. A very bad governor!
Dixie Dan | 7:26 a.m. May 6, 2009
Choosing between Palin or Huntsman is a no brainer.
Don't Worry Red Ones | 7:36 a.m. May 6, 2009
The intelligent,business guru from Alaska will more than likely be your candidate, then all of you can back another puppet like your last president was. I can't believe how radical your party has become. You remind me of the Jazz basketball team-all talk, no action or plan.
This is Hilarious | 7:39 a.m. May 6, 2009
The former campaign manager for Barack Obama acts as if he's scared of Huntsman, and the DesNews reporter eats it up.

As if he didn't have ANY ulterior motive in talking up a squishy Republican moderate like Huntsman for Obama's next opponent.

If we had a truly unbiased media whose members were really interested in finding out the truth, then it wouldn't be so easy for con men like Plouffe to pull the wool over a reporter's eyes.

But alas, most reporters covering the Obama Administration are like teenage girls in the presence of the latest hearthrob; they'll say whatever he wants them to say.
Gov | 7:42 a.m. May 6, 2009
As a Democrat, I have pleasantly surprised by Huntsman's ability to speak his mind, not an easy thing to do for a Utah Republican who is so concerned with what the church thinks. I don't see him as a viable candidate on a national stage right now, but his approach as a Republican is the only way to revive the Republican Party. When Rush Limbaugh is your current voice, something needs to change.
The Utah Test | 7:42 a.m. May 6, 2009
If most of Utah does not like Huntsman or view him as too moderate then HE IS THE MAN FOR THE JOB!! This country is a huge majority moderate. Utah still clings to their far right, paranoid, Hannity/ Beck/Rush views that DO NOT represent the majority of this country. Take heart Huntsman - the more you are criticized on Deseret News blogs the more you know you ARE in touch with the majority of this reasonable, compassionate, moderate country. But please learn from Romney and do not feel the pressure to run right in a national election. Your thoughtful, inclusive, moderate views is what will help you develop large appeal. And the only type of Mormon that will ever be elected to national office is one who is NOT considered far right.
MEB | 7:43 a.m. May 6, 2009
@ Anonymous 1:41 - Conservatism is far from dead. It is alive and well in America.

I didn't vote for Huntsman for Governor, since I felt he was more liberal than the Democratic Choice for Governor. Apparently I was right on that one.

What the Republican Party needs is a uniter, not some RINO like Huntsman who will pussyfoot and pander about on issues. Someone who will stand for conservative values and unite the party. Huntsman isn't that guy. Conservatives who have given up on the party won't rally around this guy. Conservatives will listen to someone like Reagan. He made conservatives proud to be conservatives again.

We'll find someone like that again, just like BYU will eventually find a winning quarterback again (much to my chagrin).
Grover | 7:47 a.m. May 6, 2009
I can see a scenario where Huntsman wins primaries coast to coast, but not in Utah. Huntsman represents the future of the Pub party...the middle. Utah Pubs are like the "ghost of Christmas past"...creepy!
Anonymous | 7:54 a.m. May 6, 2009
"conservative," "moderate," what mindless terms. Huntsman supports gay marriage? there is an issue that is bad for everyone, no one benefits, it's a dumb, silly, notion.

And "climate change?" Are you kidding me? This is the biggest brainwashing scam in history, it doesn't exist, yet Huntsman and other bandwagon hoppers are using it for political gain. I find that highly dishonest on his part.

I will never vote for Huntsman again, he doesn't know straight up, and he isn't "trying to build the party." He's trying to build himself.
Larry | 8:09 a.m. May 6, 2009
This is just another example of the Dems trying to get whole they want to run against. Dems were saying the exact same thing about McCain about how he would be the best candidate, he would attract so many independents. And then the second he gets nominated, they jump all over him. Huntsman is not electable on the GOP side...he is too liberal and that is the last thing Republicans need right now. It didn't work with McCain. GOP needs to go back to its Reagan roots and actually nominate a true conservative.
duh | 8:12 a.m. May 6, 2009
Of course Obama's man would like Huntsman, he more a democrat than a republican.

Repeal the 16th amemndment.
Observation-ist | 8:12 a.m. May 6, 2009
Romney was pro-gay-rights when he was a Governor of Massachusetts. Neither one is a true conservative. Newt Gingrich would eat both of them for lunch.
The Golden Ticket | 8:20 a.m. May 6, 2009
Huntsman Jr. & Doug Wright. Two local Democrats who profess being with the majority party.
rlp | 8:24 a.m. May 6, 2009
My how the MSM distorts. Remember how they gushed over McCain until he won the Republican nomination, then they crushed him. Same thing for Huntsman. He would be the eaisest for Obama to beat, so the MSM is promoting him to the top, then would drop him like a hot potato if he got the Republican nomination. Actually, they fear Romney the most. Look for the MSM to distort Romney's character. Be wise and second guess the Main Stream Media for you own good and the good of our beloved USA.
Not Utah | 8:30 a.m. May 6, 2009
Who cares what Utah thinks. Most will vote GOP/LDS no matter what, there are hardly any electoral votes, and its influence in a Democratic nation is pretty much zero. Ya'll can get worked up all you like in your isolated sphere, but it stays there.
Neil | 8:46 a.m. May 6, 2009
The far right are a bunch of paranoid nuts, full of hate, predjudice and out of touch with the majority of Americans. All they ever do is try to scare people by labeling every government program as socialism, a word most couldn't even accurately define. It's time true Republicans dump the right and elect some like Romney or Huntsman. Enough of Hannity and his lies and distortions. If the Republicans don't reverse course the next election will be a repeat of Johnson/Goldwater.
How | 8:49 a.m. May 6, 2009
about Ron Paul for President and Huntsman for VP?

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