John Huntsman, the GOP presidential candidate darling of the left is going to announce he is out of the presidential race. From ABC News: Jon Huntsman will drop out of the Republican presidential race on Monday, a campaign spokesman told ABC News.
A source close to the Huntsman campaign said the former ambassador to China and Utah Governor was “proud of the race that he ran” but “did not want to stand in the way” of rival Mitt Romney, the current front-runner for the Republican nomination.
Huntsman plans to endorse Romney at an 11 a.m. press conference Monday in Myrtle Beach, SC.
After a disappointing third place finish in New Hampshire – a contest on which he had staked his candidacy – Huntsman vowed to fight on. In his concession speech in New Hampshire, he told his supporters: “I say third place is a ticket to ride, ladies and gentleman! Hello, South Carolina!”
But just six days from the South Carolina primary, Huntsman has said goodbye to the Palmetto state after all.
A Huntsman aide tells ABC News that the decision came in the wake of the results in the New Hampshire primary. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/huntsman-to-drop-out-of-gop-race/
Talk about bad timing, The State newspaper endorsed Jon Huntsman today: There are actually two sensible, experienced grownups. And while Mr. Romney is far more appealing than any of the other choices, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is more principled, has a far more impressive resume and offers a significantly more important message.
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/15/2114108/huntsman-could-bring-us-back-together.html#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy
Whoops!!
The man should never have gotten into the race and stayed so long. His poll numbers were very low but the liberal press loved him and the man did some damage to some of the presidential candidates.
Now, what will the liberal press do?
So, as with all the candidates, thanks for running, Jon, and thanks for getting out when you did.
Now, if a few more back benchers would do the same and get out.... yeah Newt, I'm looking at you.
Oh, we on the left wouldn't have liked a Jon Huntsman candidacy. Outside of a few dementedly hard-line right-wing red meat positions he threw out toward the end, he was a rational, decent guy. He could have presented a challenge to Obama. Newt can't. Santorum can't. Perry really, really can't. Paul? Nuts. Romney? Yeah, he could do it, but the base insists they won't vote for him!
ReplyDeleteHuntsman was your best bet.