A smart friend who has reason to believe that John McCain
wouldn't hesitate to choose a running mate from a bordering state,
suggested to me the other day that McCain may end up picking Utah
Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.
Though he is relatively unknown nationally, Huntsman would fit
the McCain mold in many important ways. He was an early and loyal
endorser of McCain, which was especially bold on Huntsman's part
because it meant passing over fellow Mormon Mitt Romney, who is
popular in Utah, and who his father (a prominent businessman)
endorsed. Huntsman's resume includes some private sector
experience, a stint as deputy U.S. trade representative, and
foreign policy experience as a U.S. ambassador to Singapore. He is
fluent in Chinese.
His positions would also seem to be a good fit for McCain. In
2006, he received a solid 'B' rating from the Cato Institute in its fiscal
policy report card for governors, midway through his term. He also
shares McCain's views on environmental issues, including support
for cap and trade. At 47, he'd bring some youth to the ticket, and
would be a fresh face.
I remember meeting Huntsman in New Hampshire way back in January
of 2007, and even then, he was acting as a surrogate for McCain,
hosting an event at Manchester's Merrimack Restaurant. He talked
about being stuck in Vietnam on Sept. 11, and being moved by
visiting the remains of the Hanoi Hilton. He also recounted an
overseas trip they took together, during which Huntsman was
impressed by the way U.S. troops responded to McCain.
This in no way constitutes an endorsement of Huntsman on my
part, and I have nothing firm to suggest that this is whom McCain
intends to pick. Just consider it slightly informed speculation, of
which there is a lot in Washington these days.
For what it's worth, Huntsman has brushed off VP talk, and is running for
reelection in Utah this year.
topics:
Foreign Policy, Trade, John McCain, Business, Environment
