Marathon Pundit: Politico op-ed: Huntsman, defining 'conservative'

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Politico op-ed: Huntsman, defining 'conservative'

Former ambassador to China and Utah governor Jon Huntsman will announce his intention to run for president. In an op-ed for Politico, Daniel Allott, a Washington fellow with the National Review Institute, talks up his conservative credentials:

What do you call a family-oriented former governor who supported and signed every pro-life bill sent his way, passed the largest tax cut in his state's history, enacted the most expansive school voucher program in the nation and presided over what was cited as one of the most business-friendly states?

Many Republicans, and much of the media, call this a "moderate." That is how they are labeling former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who officially entered the GOP presidential fray on Tuesday. Whenever Huntsman's name is mentioned, it is usually accompanied by that most unhelpful of primary season adjectives. But while Huntsman's temperament is moderate – his record isn't. Indeed, his policy positions should endear him to most conservatives.

Huntsman has a strong pro-life record, both as a chief executive, signing several innovative pro-life laws as Utah's governor from 2005 to 2009, and as a private citizen, as a father of seven, two adopted. He also supports gun rights and has an unwavering commitment to Israel.

Huntsman signed the largest tax cut in Utah history. During his tenure, the state was named the nation's "best managed" by the Pew Research Center, and cited as one of the top three states in which to do business. Forbes labeled Huntsman's Utah the most "fiscally fit" state for its combination of low debt and taxes and low unemployment.