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Governor Huntsman causing national, local stir

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4 Years | 9:00 a.m. May 6, 2009
A new president just took office. Are we going to be subjected to daily endless political speculation and articles about the NEXT election for the next 4 years???? This is worth than advertising for Christmas the day after Halloweeen.
The Rock | 9:03 a.m. May 6, 2009
Democrats, who want to destroy the Republican Party, are busy telling the Republicans what they need to do.

What person in their right mind would take advice from their enemies?

Bush Sr. Bob Dole and John McCain were all moderates and centrists. They only paved the way to defeat. If the trumpt gives and uncertain sound...

Moderates have no solid core beliefs or principles. Everything is negotiable.

I want a Republican party that understands freedom and the principles that make freedom possible. Anything else will lead to the destruction of our freedoms and liberties.

The next Presidential election will not be about winning or losing but the survival of freedom and the American nation. Put a moderate (like Spector, McCain or Huntsman) in and freedom will be over.
VF | 9:07 a.m. May 6, 2009
To huh:

You obviously do not know anything about Mitt and his father. Mitt went to Harvard and graduated near the top of his class the same year with degrees in business and law.

Mitt went to work with a business firm in Boston (Mitt's dad did not know them) and in a short time was one of their stellar business men who was making most business men look like slow pokes.

Mitt went on to start his own business and ran it for several years before taking over the winter olympics in Utah. He ran the olympics in the same way he ran his businesses and all the people of Utah know of Mitts business capabilities and the way he pulled the Olympics out of the mire.

I've known Mitt for 20 plus years and know him to be one of the sharpest individuals I have ever been around.

PS: Mitt has never relied on his family to get him ahead; to the contrary, he is the one who helps others with their problems. And, reading your input makes it known to me that you know absolutely nothing about Mitt and his capabilities.
Comments continue below
jeanne | 9:17 a.m. May 6, 2009
Have you forgotten that our GOP candidate for the last presidential election was a moderate, green, pro immigration at all costs Republican? John Mc Cain! And what a winner he was....Do we want to repeat the same mistake in 2012?
HuntsmanisTrue | 9:23 a.m. May 6, 2009
I know John Huntsman Jr. is true. Even though his resume is basically a creation of Senior, I still know Junior is true.
CougarKeith | 9:27 a.m. May 6, 2009
This is not news, I said this when Huntsman backed McCain, WHEN WILL THE D-NEWS LISTEN TO ME! I Said it over a year ago!!! Now he is lining himself up with the gay activists and wants to be the liberal GOP guy. WATCH AND SEE! It's a ploy, liberal social views and conservative economic views he thinks will get him elected. But don't listen to me, I'm the guy that get's it right over 90% of the time.
Mikey | 9:33 a.m. May 6, 2009
For all of you who suddenly dislike Jon Huntsman because of his support for civil unions... GROW UP!!! Our wonderful governer is doing what the republican party needed to do long ago. He is not being an uptight, religion driven dictator. He is supporting all human beings and fighting for their rights. That is a much more respectable thing than trying to push your religion and morals upon everyone. Remember how Jesus wanted free agency for all and Satan wanted to make everyone follow exactly as he said??? What do you think you are all doing??? Disgusting.
Lime Light | 9:39 a.m. May 6, 2009
We are in the 13th of his 15 minutes.
Sally | 9:49 a.m. May 6, 2009
All of you have your faces so buried in the Book Of Mormon that you are not realizing that Mitt Romney won the governer of the most liberal state in the country and he supported civil unions their. So no matter if you pick Huntsman of Romeny... civil unions and eventually gay marraige will be legal in all states! Finally we have some republican candidates who are smart enough to realize that all people deserve to be given the same rights. Go back to your books of mormon and keep reading so you can continue to live in your little bubble. The gays are going to get their equal rights weather you like it or not! Here we come!!! :)
Chuckles55 | 10:06 a.m. May 6, 2009
Here in Utah, the GOP has gone way too far to the right and the conservatives are falling all over themselves to see who can be the "Republicant" of the moment. Huntsman and his move from the extreme right is a breath of fresh air. However, I doubt he will have made enough of an impact on the country to be a viable national candidate for 2012. Sounds like the Democrats may be attempting to set him up as an easy target, like McCain turned out to be in 2008.
Captain Kirk | 10:09 a.m. May 6, 2009
What we need is a real conservative party. Enough moderates. The Republican party needs to stand for something.

@ "How | 8:49 a.m. May 6, 2009
about Ron Paul for President and Huntsman for VP?"

Ron Paul would never share a ticket with a big government liberal like Huntsman. Ron Paul would make a wonderful president but he is not in a position to win. He was truly the best candidate in 2008. Sadly ... He is a pariah in in the current Republican Party. Which shows you how far left the Republican party is. At one time, Ron Pauls positions were mainstream.

@ Neil | 8:46 a.m. May 6, 2009
Your words indicate that you seem to be the one with prejudice and hate.
I certainly can define "socialism". However it is a term that represents some very broad ideas.
One version is the complete nationalization of the means of production and distribution of wealth.
Others advocate state control of capital within the framework of a market economy.

We are certainly a "Mixed Economy" and when about 70% of our 2008 budget went to support various redistributions of wealth and subsidies ... we are well on our way to socialism.
Mike | 10:18 a.m. May 6, 2009
Huntsman is a breath of fresh air in the Republican Party. Someone who says what they think despite the right wing ideologues that control the party's thought processes. McCain got nominated in 2008 because he was the only one with a chance of winning - and he lost because he still was too far right for the country as a whole (and picking Palin sent him over the edge for good). Huntsman appears to have a brain and common sense - something that seems to be lacking among the party faithful in Utah.
Doesn't Matter | 10:24 a.m. May 6, 2009
Most Americans these days favor socialism. It is quite obvious. The only way Obama can loose is for another socialist to run against him. And if we are choosing between two socialists who cares?
re: Mikey and Sally | 10:48 a.m. May 6, 2009
Those who practice homosexuality already enjoy all the same rights as everyone else. Can you please name one right they don't have (FYI- there are no such things as the right to marry the person you love, the right to marry the person you are attracted to, or the right to marital bliss in heterosexual marriage)? Don't call me names, just name one right homosexuals don't have. I await your replies.
Common guy | 10:53 a.m. May 6, 2009
I read some comments that say Huntsman is a poor speaker, that he supports gay marriage, and is a liberal.

What are you talking about?

I have never heard any support from Huntsman for gay marriage, he supports civil unions. There is a big difference. If we want to keep marriage intact civil unions is the position to take.

He is a good speaker and not liberal to most of the world. I am afraid if we vary at all from the deepest right leanings of the party we label that person as liberal. We need to think for ourselves sheeple.

I fear that in Utah we might have gone too far to the right and we cannot find our way back to being rational. If we maintain this narrow minded focus we empower liberals and the result will be that we will awake and find ourselves striped of our civil liberties and living in socialist state.

To that I say no thanks.
Laurie | 11:11 a.m. May 6, 2009
I always find it interesting that if I am against gay marriage, then I must be stupid, a homophobe, unrealistic moron. But if I am for it, then I am labeled intelligent, free-thinking, cool. Well kids, the fact of the matter is that 60% of America do believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman. By Gov. Huntsman giving his endorsement to gay civil unions, he is just giving us one more step against what the majority of Americans feel is appropriate. Just because someone can scream something is right - doesn't necessarily make it so.
Frankly Gov. Huntsman, I am deeply, deeply disappointed in you. You have most certainly lost my vote.
Anonymous | 11:28 a.m. May 6, 2009
Collin Powell gets it. Rush Limbaugh and conservative extremism has murdered the GOP. Goldwater wouldn't be a republicans today because of the nuts that have become it's talking heads.

Mitt has leap over jaws. He's a joke nationally.

It's classic game strategy. You you keep betting on a loser or do your look for a better bet?

Conservatives believe they can keep doing the same old thing and get a different outcome. As the caravan is pulling away only their barking gets louder.
Melba Megensik | 11:50 a.m. May 6, 2009
Heck, Huntsman needs to stay out. Mitt Romney is the man for the job.
Huntsman and sincerity | 11:55 a.m. May 6, 2009
When it comes to sincerity, Pouffle's is irrelevant. Huntsman's is the question. Keep after him, regardless of your affiliation. He comes across to me as an opportunist.
Mikey | 12:04 p.m. May 6, 2009
to RE: Mikey and Sally at 10:48

It also is not a right for you to get married in the LDS temple. Would you like it if the government would no longer allow you to be married in the temple? I don't think so.

Just because it isn't a "right" to marry whom I love, doesn't mean that it isn't wrong for the government to not allow me to do so.

What happened to freedom in our country? I am not asking for anything horrific here. I am asking to be treated equally. All I want is to be "allowed" to marry the man that I've been with for 3 years whom I love very much. I don't see how people find that so horrible! Get out of your ugly little shells and see what you're doing. You're telling me that I am not worthy to marry the person I love, but you are. That is wrong. That is discrimination. You can tell me all you want how it is "morally wrong" but obviously we don't have the same morals. So let me live my life and leave me alone!
Huntsman in '12 or '16 | 12:26 p.m. May 6, 2009
I can't wait to cast my vote for Huntsman for President! I think Romney will probably beat Huntsman to be the nominee in '12 but Romney will get slaughtered by Obama. By '16, my fellow Republican's will be humble enough to accept a more forward thinking candidate like Huntsman and he'll be pres in '16. Go Huntsman! Way more qualified than flip flop saying whatever he needs to the extreme base Romney.
Narcciccism | 12:53 p.m. May 6, 2009
On display -- is Jon Huntsman, Jr. His views and policies lack any real base; they're based on "him." No recognizable philosophy of governance there, either on fiscal or social issues. You never know what you're going to get with him. I guess he thinks he's so wonderful that he can get away with it? Not this voter. I want to know where someone stands. His ecclectic positions on environment and civil untions have left me and other conservative voters in the dust.
Niximus | 1:03 p.m. May 6, 2009
RE:Common Guy @ 1:31

Ah in case you forgot the GOP nominated a Moderate Centrist Maverick last November. And guess which way all the moderates/independents voted? Well I guess I don't have to tell you.

And to all these people give Huntsman props for "sticking his neck out" on these issues. Why in the world didn't he take these positions before the November election? Yeah he is sure a man of real integrity.
Utah Lady | 1:25 p.m. May 6, 2009
Re Neil:

You paint with a pretty broad brush. Behavior like this is what is wrong with this country. You can't disagree without it resulting in name calling and incorrect generalizations. I don't think either party has all the answers, and I personally know many great people who fall into opposing camps. It would be great if we could work together to make our country strong, rather then continue to pull it down.
Kenneth in Texas | 1:31 p.m. May 6, 2009
re: "Political ANIMALS": The article is about two potential future candidates for President. We already have term limits for the presidency. So, what is your point?
Utah Mom | 1:42 p.m. May 6, 2009
It is funny how Liberals resort to name-calling, i.e. "Taliban", "paranoid", and assume as liberals they are the only ones who are reasonable, compassionate, and moderate (Yes, you, Utah Test). Not all of us conservatives, who aren't represented by men such as Huntsman, are not living our lives by or even listening to the talk show hosts such as Rush and Hannity. Maybe we are providing service for 6 weeks in South America. Perhaps we are working to pay for our and other's health care. We might even be busy recyling, clipping coupons, or getting a doctorate degree, and doing what ever it takes to support our large families and the others we now get to pay for, outside of what we already donate on a regular basis. It would be nice to have some representation for beliefs and values, but until that happens, conservatives will continue to give--time, money, and support of others in need, not forced by the government, but voluntarily. Until liberals/moderates, and who ever they support, stop the name-calling and stop assuming they have a corner on the market as far as compassion, they will never have my vote.
Andy | 1:45 p.m. May 6, 2009
Huntsman seems to be a competent administrator, and would seem right at home as a CEO or department secretary in someone else's presidency. Idealogically he'll be found wanting in Republican primaries. In addition, he doesn't seem to reflect any sort of agenda or ideas that excite voters. I think he lacks charisma, particularly the kind strong presence we like to see in a president. Of course Obama doesn't have a forceful presence either, but he does have charisma
Moderates | 1:50 p.m. May 6, 2009
Moderates have no core beliefs? Who has the stronger core beliefs, a moderate who applies their core beliefs issue by issue, or someone on the far left/right that points to someone else and says, "I'll have what they are having." I deeply distrust anyone who never strays from hardline positions... Rational people will never agree on every issue.

Speaking as an independant, we currently have a Rep party that preaches less government/spending (but has a recent history of practicing something else) and encourages more governent interference in social matters (the term "family" is often code for legislating morality-not a true conservative ideal). Reps are going to have to choose between independants that do not want government in our day today lives or the religious fundamentalists.
Oh captain my captain... | 1:51 p.m. May 6, 2009
Gov please don't leave us. You are a rare breed among Republicans. For an independent like me, who has trouble swallowing the uber powerful LDS governmental platform you make life here in Utah very tolerable. I know you've said you won't seek re-election but feel free to flip flop on that promise. Government should be bringing us together (you) not driving wedges in the fabric of society (Butters, LDS Church, Eagle Forum; I've separated them here but they all get invites to the BBQ). Save us from ourselves!
Gay Marriage versus Civil Unions | 2:01 p.m. May 6, 2009
Yes, the majority of this country does not support gay marriage. But the majority does support civil unions and the rights and benefits that flow from that. Huntsman is in step with the majority of this country while the majority of Utah is in step with- well, Idaho.

And the position of the LDS Church is actually much more in step with Huntsman (no gay marriage but other legal equalities for gay couples) than the far right (wrong) majority of LDS members. But the political views of many members have been much further to the right of their own church for years now.
Dave | 2:08 p.m. May 6, 2009
This is the left wing media, redundant I know, attempting to pick another GOP candidate that's not electable. Just like McCain in 2008. I wonder if you can fool enough GOP voters again, to make this strategy work again?
To Utah Mom | 2:23 p.m. May 6, 2009
If you are withholding your vote from those who engage in name calling or personal characterizations, you won't be voting for anyone anytime soon. I appreciate that there are very good people in every political category. But many who tend to share your more conservative views often lead the way in this behavior. You only have to turn on the radio or tune into cable news to see for yourself.
scotwright | 2:51 p.m. May 6, 2009
The Dems picking our candidate reminds me of the saying about coaches. "If you make your coaching moves by listening to the crowd, next year you become one of them."

It seems to me that McCain was loved and supported by the Media as a great candidate who, with his pro amnesty and other moderate views failed to attract the base and get out the vote.

Why do we give any creedance to a group of Communist/Fascist Democrats who are out to take us back to feudalism or slavery? These Democrat leaders hate freedom and hate anyone who believes in God. The first time I heard a "Lib" say that the feared Religious people I was dumbfounded. My response to the young woman who said this was, "What are they going to do, pray for you?" To this she had no answer except to regurgitate the Commie propaganda she had learned from other "Cell Libs." If you really want to understand todays Liberals read "The Many Faces of Communism" by J. Edgar Hoover. He was an imperfect man who had a perfect understanding of Communists and their methods. NOW THEY HAVE A PRESIDENT!
Mike | 3:23 p.m. May 6, 2009
HUntsman`s got it right. He go`s to the Jazz and my dog goes to the NFL. Like him or hate him...Irrelevant. Never going to happen..not with divine intervention...NEVER. We go through this every cycle. The Utah fantasy candidate. 63 years old too.
Been around this for a while.
No Mormon President | 3:36 p.m. May 6, 2009
Conservatives and liberals don't agree about much, but they do agree that no Mormon is fit to be president. Whether it's Huntsman or Romney, there is no chance that either will ever be president. There is no way that GOP primary voters will nominate a Mormon, and there is no chance that the evangelical conservatives in the South or the liberals in the Northeast and coastal West will elect a member of the LDS as the Commander in Chief. Not gonna happen.
Shirley | 3:36 p.m. May 6, 2009
Dave, do you really think any GOP candidate will be electable in 2012? This country does not need a Rep. for some time to come. Thanks, anyway.
Hey Utah Mom | 4:26 p.m. May 6, 2009
See scotwright's 2:51 comment to see what I mean about both sides engaging in name calling and characterizations.
Surf-the-Tsunami | 4:46 p.m. May 6, 2009
Dr. Tom Coburn - Huntsman 2012 ... to confront bio-medical catastrophes and have someone fluent in Mandarin Chinese to learn the ropes of Washington under ueber-Patriot Coburn - who actually created and grew American jobs with his Virginia company- Coburn Optical and is a Giant on healthcare reform coupled with Cost savings v-like no other on Capitol Hill
Silva | 4:51 p.m. May 6, 2009
As much as I want to get rid of Huntsman, I don't want him running this country. He caves to special interest and money on cue, such as Energy Solutions. He balances the budget by cutting programs to the poor, elderly and disabled. Some parents have had to leave this state to get help for disabled children. Last year Utah was #46 in spending for these groups on a per capita basis. Then there is his stand on human trafficking and helping the rich stay that way through illegal workers.

No thanks.
Friend of a Neighbor | 5:11 p.m. May 6, 2009
I have a friend who lived in the same neighborhood as Huntsman before his election as governor. Let's just say that neither that friend nor I will EVER vote for Huntsman as governor, president, or ANYTHING!
RLP | 5:28 p.m. May 6, 2009
To: No Mormon President.
I suppose you like what we have better? Sadly the day may come soon that you would welcome a Mormon President. Principals and values go a long way in this world. Lets see how the world is in 2012. Write again then...if you have the freedom to do so.
Definition: hypocrisy | 9:26 p.m. May 6, 2009
Utah Mom | 1:42 p.m. May 6, 2009
"It is funny how Liberals resort to name-calling, i.e. "Taliban", "paranoid", and assume as liberals they are the only ones who are reasonable..."
================
Thanks for the laugh Utah Mom about your name-calling "Liberals."
BobP | 11:06 p.m. May 6, 2009
Huntsman as President and Palin as VP. A nice balanced ticket to capture both the religious and fidiciary conservatives. Palin is still young enough to be President later.
Vote Mormon?? Are you kidding? | 12:19 p.m. May 9, 2009
Interesting how we never heard Ronald Reagan's religion mentioned when he was running for President.

I wonder how many Presidents have had their 'religious preference' voted on in an election.

I thought we were voting on a Person, not a Religion!!

Anonymous | 4:09 p.m. May 9, 2009
Huntsman and Palin! What a great ticket! Both are attractive to look at. Huntsman would get the femal and gay vote, and Palin would get the male and lesbian vote.

Great idea!

OR, you could just have Will Smith and Halle Berry! Or Smith and Palin. Or Huntsman and Berry. Mix-n-match, it doesn't matter, as long as they are big on looks and short on substance!

LOL!
Anonymous | 11:20 a.m. May 10, 2009
Folks, the Guv may be causing a local stir, but he really isn't on the national level. We will see if he truly rises to that level, but for now, it is way overstated, and I'm willing to bet the Guv would agree.
Dear Utah Test | 10:59 p.m. May 10, 2009
And Ed Schultz or Schulz (however you spell it) speaks for America. He has as much hate in him if not more than Hannity or Limbaugh ever had or ever will have. We listen to him at night on the AFN network. All three spew hate and contention.

They are very selective in what they report and skew the meaning most of the time. Schulttz reported that no President has ever had such high ratings in the 1st 100 days of their administration, yet the papers reported there has been only one President with lower ratings. Schultz was using the report that many people like Obama as a person, but disagree with his politics. All 3 twist the truth to make their point, and it is no longer the truth.

It is not the liberals who are pushing to force radio stations to hire liberal tak hosts.
Washington had it right at his farewell speech. When the party wins the people loose. In six years we could change this nation by voting out every single incumbent. In six years we would not have anymore political cronies, but new breath. American's don't have the backbone to do this.
robert | 5:39 p.m. May 12, 2009
Huntsman needs to go.....he's an idiot for supporting CAP and Trade..must be in bed with the Obama polititicians

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