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Obama Taps Utah Gov as China Envoy

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 16, 2009 7:39 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Barack Obama will name Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., an up-and-coming Republican star, as his ambassador to China this morning, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. Huntsman will resign as governor to take the post. The popular Mormon speaks Mandarin Chinese, has an adopted Chinese daughter, along with six other children, and has led a trade mission to China. He served as an ambassador to Singapore under Bush I and a deputy trade representative under Bush II.

A widely-liked moderate, Huntsman was re-elected by a record margin, and currently boasts an 83% approval rating. He’s been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2012 or 2016, and should John McCain have won, he was rumored as a likely cabinet pick. During the election, his opponent questioned his willingness to serve a full term, to which Huntsman replied, “That's exactly what I intend to do.”

Gov. Jon Huntsman signs the comprehensive liquor reform bill into law at Salt Lake City's New Yorker Club on Monday, March 30, 2009.
Gov. Jon Huntsman signs the comprehensive liquor reform bill into law at Salt Lake City's New Yorker Club on Monday, March 30, 2009.   (AP Photo/The Salt Lake Tribune, Paul Fraughton)
Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., is seen during the 2008 Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association in Washington, Feb. 24, 2008.
Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., is seen during the 2008 Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association in Washington, Feb. 24, 2008.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama greets guests on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, May 15, 2009, after he honored the 2008 World Series baseball champion Philadelphia Phillies.
President Barack Obama greets guests on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, May 15, 2009, after he honored the 2008 World Series baseball champion Philadelphia Phillies.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
In this Nov. 4, 2008 file photo, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman speaks in Salt Lake City.
In this Nov. 4, 2008 file photo, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman speaks in Salt Lake City.   (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
nick
May 17, 2009 2:33 AM CDT
Judd Gregg read the memo I mentioned in my post.
justme
May 17, 2009 1:35 AM CDT
Maybe he read the part of the memo that said the Republicans must rebuild to win some seats in 2012 and more in 2016. Nothing could be better than a strong former governor with major foreign policy experience. Certainly higher ratings than anyone out of Washington.
nick
May 16, 2009 8:34 AM CDT
By agreeing to work in the Obama administration, Jon Huntsman has more than likely pissed off the Republican Party. He must have missed the Repug's strategy memo which clearly stated, just say no, and don't cooperate with anything Obama.

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China • Barack Obama • Republican • Utah • Jon Huntsman • ambassador

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