Candidate: Jon Huntsman (Dropped Out 1/16/2011)
Jacquelyn Martin, AP
ABOUT
Huntsman was a popular governor, re-elected in 2008 with more than 75% of the vote. He stepped down in August 2009 after President Obama named him U.S. ambassador to China. Huntsman’s position in the Obama administration has been a sticking point for some Republican voters who are skeptical of a candidate who has served under a Democratic president. He has staked out more moderate positions on some issues, which puts him at odds with more conservative segments of the Republican base. Former Pennsylvania governor and Homeland Security secretary Tom Ridge has endorsed Huntsman.
Huntsman's father, Jon Sr., is a billionaire businessman and philanthropist. The younger Huntsman has taken an interest in business and is the president and CEO of Huntsman Cancer Foundation, chairman of Huntsman Corp. and chairman and CEO of the Huntsman Family Holdings Co.
ELECTIVE OFFICE
Governor of Utah 2005-09.
OTHER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Prior to serving as governor, Huntsman held several diplomatic posts. Under President George H.W. Bush, he served as deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs, deputy assistant secretary of Commerce for trade development in Asia and, finally, ambassador to Singapore. He served as U.S. trade representative for President George W. Bush.
Vital Stats
- Date of Birth: March 26, 1960
- Education: Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in international politics after transferring from the University of Utah.
- Family: Wife, Mary Kaye. Seven children: Mary Anne, Abigail, Elizabeth, Jon III, William, Gracie Mei and Asha Bharati (the youngest were adopted from China and India).
- Religion: Huntsman is a Mormon.
FUNDRAISING
At the end of September, Huntsman had about $328,000 cash on hand, which was seventh among GOP candidates. In total, Huntsman has raised nearly $4.5 million, which is the sixth-highest total among GOP candidates.
SOURCES
The Des Moines Register, opensecrets.org, jon2012.com, USA TODAY research by Alicia McCarty
