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The Spectacle Blog
As Jon Huntsman finishes announcing his candidacy for the presidency in front of the Statue of Liberty: In today’s Politico, past Spectator contributor Daniel Allott presents the strongest conservative case possible for the former governor of Utah:
Huntsman has a strong pro-life record, both as a chief executive, signing several innovative pro-life laws as Utah’s governor from 2005 to 2009, and as a private citizen, as a father of seven, two adopted. He also supports gun rights and has an unwavering commitment to Israel.
Huntsman signed the largest tax cut in Utah history. During his tenure, the state was named the nation’s “best managed” by the Pew Research Center, and cited as one of the top three states in which to do business. Forbes labeled Huntsman’s Utah the most “fiscally fit” state for its combination of low debt and taxes and low unemployment.
When Huntsman left office, he had an 84 percent approval rating among Utah voters. Polls show that he is still well-regarded by his former constituents - which can’t be said for some other former governors in the GOP race.
On the hustings, Huntsman has already voiced support for Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget plan, and has pledged to repeal Obamacare.
Not that Huntsman is a perfect conservative candidate. He does look like a moderate on the environment and immigration, as well as in his support of civil unions for gay couples - though he has opposed gay marriage.
But conservative primary voters must ask themselves whether these positions are less tolerable than the conservative apostasies of the other candidates now called plausible - Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty.
The huge caveat, though, is that Utah is one of the most, if not the most, conservative states in the country. Pawlenty governed Minnesota, a blue state, and Romney established his record in Massachusetts, arguably the most liberal state in the nation.
View all comments (19) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Joseph Lawler
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Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 6.21.11 @ 11:01AM
The problem with several of these candidates is that they look foolish when they endorse climate change.
That alone is a real job killer. I would like to see one candidate talk about bringing the EPA to it's knees.
Wayne | 6.21.11 @ 12:18PM
Me too. Bachmann may be the closest along with Palin. There has never been a better time to propose the end of the EPA. Like the department of education, it is a failure and a national disgrace.
Butch | 6.21.11 @ 5:49PM
EPA is worse than you indicate: it is one of the primary tools of the left right now. All "administrative law" must go, and all administrative bureaus must be abolished. Once the bureau is established, it quickly becomes impossible to control by congress.
Derek Leaberry| 6.21.11 @ 11:31AM
Pro-queer and pro-3rd World immigration. I will vote for Obama or Third World before I would this back-stabber.
Kent Lyon| 6.21.11 @ 11:43AM
The key point is that Huntsman governed Utah. All that can be said about his record is that he did well at going along to get along with his constituents. He gave them what they wanted. This doesn't bespeak any sort of political courage, and some of Huntsman's actions and positions tend to indicate that he has no political (or religious) convictions at all. He said nothing about Human Rights in China, as ambassador, for example (and certainly not in Mandarin). As governor of Utah, when he was backing a flat tax with no deductions, he caved so fast one could mistake him for a whirling dervish when the Mormon Church authorities came out against the proposal, apparently fearing that the inability to deduct charitable contributions might dry up their tithes from their membership (apparently the Mormon leadership has little confidence in the devotion of members when it comes to tithing). Huntsman seems to have bought in to the left liberal zeitgeist on social issues, and he doesn't seem to put much stock in his own religion. Yes, he is a free spirit. He can afford to be. The rest of us can't afford this free spirit. I would advise him to get on his motorcycle and enjoy the wonders of Utah and the West, and don't bother us with his flim flam political nonsense. He can't stand the heat. He should stay out of the kitchen. Fund the treatment of cancer patients and spare us his campaign. Please.
Derek Leaberry| 6.21.11 @ 12:47PM
Huntsman is a David Frum Republican. You should read how much Huntsman is loved at Frum Forum. If Frum likes you, something must be horribly wrong with you.
Wayne | 6.21.11 @ 12:19PM
I am leery of a conservative willing to serve in the Obama administration and spend a couple of years in communist China.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 6.21.11 @ 12:57PM
The fact that he has hired John Weaver, a longtime strategist for Sen. John McCain should tell you all you need to know.
Soon Huntsman will be suspending his campaign to help stop global warming.
rightasrain| 6.21.11 @ 1:00PM
Huntsman lost me at "Obama is a great leader." And I'm not sure to what conservative apostasies Mr. Lawler refers with respect to Pawlenty. He did his AGW mea culpas eons ago and should have a full pardon on that rap. Moreover, he showed his conservative bona fides when he refused to pander to the ethanol crowd in Iowa or the seniors in Florida. With a concerted effort to exude some charisma, he could be the one. I am still optimistic about him.
Red Phillips | 6.21.11 @ 1:00PM
So it is necessary for a President of the Unites States of America to have an "unwavering commitment to Israel?" I would have thought that having an unwavering commitment to Israel was a qualification to be the Prime Minister of Israel. I would have thought that what is important for the President of the United States is that he have an unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the wellbeing of his country and fellow citizens.
And even if "unwavering" support of Israel is desirable, how is it a conservative credential? (Worthy of a place in the same introductory paragraph with abortion and gun rights.) Is there something in Burkean or Kirkian or whatever thought that requires "unwavering support" of a particular foreign nation?
Red Phillips | 6.21.11 @ 1:05PM
Huntsman has almost no chance, and I am sure he is smart enough to realize this. And unlike some others with little chance, he can't claim to be on some sort of ideological mission to advance his ideas unless he wants to advance the cause of ideological centrism. My suspicion is that Huntsman is a stalking horse, most likely intended to derail Romney. But why? And who is behind it? Or else he is running to get an early start on 2016.
Derek Leaberry| 6.21.11 @ 2:13PM
Huntsman and Romney are the favorites of the Republican globalists, the Bush family, and David Frum and his wormy acolytes. Huntsman receives support in case Romney collapses, not to derail Mitten. As for Huntsman's thinking, yes, he is thinking of positioning himself for 2016. He knows that smokestack lightning would have to strike him to win in 2012.
Red Phillips | 6.21.11 @ 4:56PM
Derek, from what I recall, Romney and Huntsman have a history of not getting along. I don't recall the details. I'll look for a link.
Red Phillips | 6.21.11 @ 5:23PM
Here is a link.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/o.....r.html.csp
WJ| 6.21.11 @ 5:07PM
The Huntsman campaign is dead on arrival.
He is extremely self deluded if he thinks he has a chance.
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Peppermint Tea| 6.22.11 @ 12:46PM
From Utah, it is true that Huntsman just gave the state what it wanted and has no fight. For example, he was for school vouchers, the legislature passed them, but when the teachers union got it on the ballot, cried that it would rob school funding, Huntsman sat on his hands. That and his Blue Ribbon Commission on Global Warming that he ramrodded (and the legislature ignored.)
My feeling from living here is that Utah would vote for Romney over their former governor, and Palin over both of them. At least Romney didn't explain his religious loyalty as "complex."
To conclude, Huntsman is a pretty boy with only the ruling class as a constituency.
weddingdresses | 6.23.11 @ 5:31AM
The fact that he has hired John Weaver, a longtime strategist for Sen. John McCain should tell you all you need to know.
Soon Huntsman will be suspending his campaign to help stop global warming.
weddingdresses | 6.23.11 @ 5:37AM
The Huntsman campaign is dead on arrival.
He is extremely self deluded if he thinks he has a chance.