We're all aflutter here in Utah over the announcement that our own Governor Jon Huntsman has been appointed by the Obama administration to serve as U.S. ambassador to China. The R party in this reddest of red states has been complaining endlessly that the guv is too moderate and some are saying they will be glad to see him move on. Truly he has fought an uphill battle with the wingnuts of the legislature to bring about some important legislation like the much-needed reform in liquor sales. But Huntsman is a diplomat, and just when it looked like things weren't going to happen, some backroom negotiating got the necessary votes on-board. You can't help being impressed that the guy can get things done.
It's significant that a Democratic president reached across party lines for this appointment, especially considering Huntsman has been mentioned as a contender for the 2012 presidential race.
MSNBC has high praise for Utah's governor, and points out the criticism he's had from the far right:
Fluent in Mandarin Chinese from his days as a Mormon missionary in Taiwan, the 49-year-old Huntsman is a popular two-term governor who served in both Bush administrations. He has made a name for himself advocating a moderate agenda in one of the nation's most conservative states.Utah always seems to be in the spotlight for bizarre or negative news stories. It is a welcome relief to have the national media focus some positive attention on our state and its top executive. The fact that the state elected a moderate Republican says something about the electorate.
Huntsman made headlines recently for encouraging the Republican Party to swing in a more moderate direction if it wanted to bounce back from the 2008 elections, angering some conservatives.
Obama's 2008 campaign manager, David Plouffe, said Huntsman is a Republican who "seems to understand the party has to adjust — not stubbornly believe that everything is OK and it is the country that has to change."
Huntsman's positions on the environment and other issues have led some to consider him a potential contender for president in 2012.
He signed an initiative that would set a regional cap-and-trade effort to reduce global warming. In a 2006 speech at Shanghai Normal University, Huntsman spoke of the need for China and the U.S. to work together on environmental issues.
"The United States and China must be good examples and stewards of the Earth. We must match economic progress with environmental stewardship. The effects of industrialization are felt worldwide," Huntsman said then.
Throughout his tenure as governor, Huntsman's background as a diplomat has been evident. He preferred to win over opponents in private meetings rather than using his bully pulpit to give rousing speeches.
One of his most significant achievements was loosening the state's restrictive liquor laws over the objections of many in heavily Mormon Utah in an effort to make the state more appealing for visitors. It was a feat many here didn't think would be possible in Huntsman's lifetime.
Huntsman has drawn the most attention for stating he favors civil unions for gay couples even though he backed a state constitutional amendment passed in 2004 that prohibited same-sex marriage.
Huntsman's comments on civil unions drew the ire of conservatives in Utah and elsewhere.
With Huntsman stepping down, Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert will serve in his stead until 2010 when a special election will be held. I'm truly hoping the R's bring out the most conservative candidate they can find. Red state Utah has moved ever so slightly toward the center and if the Democrats can put forth a likeable moderate candidate, there is a good chance we can elect that person.
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10 comments:
Becky, We stopped being the "Reddest of Red" last year. It is a title we no longer own.
They're just angry he won't "Tea Bag" them.
Jason, he's one of the smart ones, eh?
Anon, I know that's technically true based on election results last fall, and that's why I changed my tag line on this blog last fall to "one of the reddest". It gives me hope for our overly conservative state.
I do think environmental issues and things like water rights have altered some of the far right stances of the mountain west states. With global warming extreme right issues like gay unions take a back seat to keeping our water rather than sending it to Phoenix.
Moderates or centralists are a growing group. I wonder at times whether they will be the third party. Bush encouraged extreme positions and divisions and since Obama has taken office people are moving center. Even those that call themselves the religious right are less right.
I saw the news about Huntsman yesterday and was anxiously awaiting your blog on the subject. Was happy to see that Obama had appointed him given his qualifications but Utah will be losing a major asset. But, obviously from what you say, not one they appreciate fully.
And to be very sexist here - he is very good looking for a Republican
Yes he is good-looking, isn't he! I do think he'll do an outstanding job as our ambassador. We've had a lot more discussion on this over at http://oneutah.org where I also blog. Glendon has a good post there presenting some takes from around the blogosphere that are quite astute.
Interesting. Moderate republicans are an endangered species here in the Heartland. We are encouraging as many as we can to join us.
We sure are, TB. The more the "voices" of the R party rant about not being conservative enough, the more they push moderate former-Rs to our side. We're happy to have 'em.
Not to read too deeply into it, but I have been curious if Obama chose Huntsman partly out of concern for a clear go in 2012... I don't think Huntsman could stand a chance to Obama in 2012, but maybe the President saw a potential risk.
Hello Fed, thanks for visiting.
A number have speculated as you have. I think it might be true, but also a double-edged sword. Huntsman has proven to be a successful in every endeavor, so we can believe he will shine in his role in China. If not 2012, he would certainly be a formidable opponent to Dems in 2016. Huntsman is young and patient. 2016 may be his goal. I don't see Biden as the heir apparent in the Dem party.
Unless Obama blows it I don't think he has any worries in 2012. And I am not opposed to voting for a moderate Republican in 2016. I have crossed party lines before.
But I watched Frost/Nixon last night. Good movie. But Nixon and then Bush and the fact that staff kept Reagan's Alzheimer's under wraps for his entire second term makes me a bit scared of the Republican brand.
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