If he wants to be more than just "the other electable mormon" in the 2012 race for the Republican Presidential nomination, then Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has to be willing to take civilized jabs at the current frontrunner.
While campaigning in primary-crucial South Carolina on Monday, Huntsman directly criticized former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney directly, but not by name, and his approach was considerably subtle compared to how other nomination hopefuls have come after the second-time GOP candidate.
"When you look at the absolute increases in job creation, Utah led the way in the United States in terms of job creation," Hunstman said. "That, compared and contrasted with certain other states like Massachusetts, which I will just pull out randomly, not first, but 47th."
Bringing up Massachusetts was random in the same way that the last place Houston Astros are a World Series contender, but at least Huntsman stuck to real, pressing issue and above all was respectful. While he plans to ramp-up his criticism of Romney, time (and voters) will tell if such an approach will help Huntsman's low standing in the polls.
What could aid his chances is the endorsement of the family of former South Carolina Governor Carroll Campbell. While Campbell died in 2005, his name carries significant weight within the state's GOP establishment, and could improve Huntsman's standing with the party's conservative base. Otherwise his campaign may be over before the fat lady even warms up her vocal chords.
Photo from The Desert News
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Comments: 5
In any case, he's right about Romney: Romney made money killing jobs, not creating them.
Campbell's widow and two sons endorsed him, and those sons have run for offices in SC. Hope this helps.
Wes
Thanks Wes, I should have read your post better.
He made his deal with Obama, and in the calculus of Presidential campaigns, that is going to be a very challenging equation to balance.
I would not be surprised in Romney never finds in necessary to so much as 'respond' to Huntsman. If & when it appears that something must or should be done about him, Romney's seconds or thirds will lower the boom on Jon ... and then just walk away while he goes down beneath it ... his own history.