Posted on 01/01/2011 8:47:52 AM PST by Hawk720
...The moderate Republican had once been considered a rising star in the GOP and a likely 2012 contender, with David Plouffe, Barack Obamas campaign mastermind, even identifying Huntsman as the only Republican who made him a wee bit queasy about the next race. But speculation ended abruptly in 2009 when Obama tapped Huntsman for the ambassadorship. National pundits called the appointment a shrewd move by the White House to sideline a potential rival, and then promptly forgot about himwhich is probably why last falls Beehive State buzz was drowned out on the national stage by the noise of the midterms.
Now, it appears, the ambassador is ready to make some noise of his own. Sitting in the echo-y living room of his new Washington home, Huntsman, a tall, lean man with silver hair and impeccable posture, pauses only briefly when faced with the question of presidential aspirations. You know, Im really focused on what were doing in our current position, he says. But we wont do this forever, and I think we may have one final run left in our bones. Asked whether he is prepared to rule out a run in 2012 (since it would require him to campaign against his current boss), he declines to comment.
The winking responseabout as close to a hat-in-ring announcement as youll get from a sitting member of the incumbents administrationcould just be a hollow cry for attention. But sources close to Huntsman (who requested anonymity to speak freely without his permission) say that during his December trip to the U.S., he met with several former political advisers in Washington and Salt Lake City to discuss a potential campaign.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsweek.com ...
As I said, “good quick way”. Sometimes there are even references for more direct info.
He will be the media darling as a ‘new, progressive kind of republican’ simply because he supports gay marriage.
>> Candidates dont have to mirror my every belief to get my vote <<
Not sure the Mormon-bashers hereabouts would agree with you!
Great. From what I'm reading here, he can have a jam session with Mike Huckabee and let the conservatives run for President.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.