Huntsman in 2012?

After a month long winter break (recovery period?) from school that was extended by the "snowocalypse" (4 inches in Georgia), I finally decided to get back in the swing of things and so is speculation about the 2012 GOP Presidential primary. There has been a burst of news reports indicating that former Utah governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. may challenge his boss (President Obama) for the presidency. Huntsman is currently the ambassador to China.

First was a Newsweek article where Huntsman declines to comment when asked if he would challenge Obama. He does concede however that "there may be one more race in our bones." Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal described his somewhat unorthodox approach with the Chinese and again raised the question of a possible bid. Now at a press conference with the Chinese president, Obama actually jokes about the possibility of Huntsman running against him. Finally the Deseret News unveiled a poll where Huntsman would easily win in a Senate race against Orin Hatch and Jason Chaffetz.

I have met Huntsman two times and both times I found a politician that was level headed and ready to listen to new ideas (even from a young political nerd like myself). I was impressed with his desire and ability to work across the aisle: all attributes that are missing from our politicians on both sides. I would love to see him run but I question if tea partiers would accept someone with moderate views even if he would make a great president.

(picture from the Deseret News)

The Moderate Voting Guide, Part 3

In my opinion, the cardinal sin of state politics is forgetting which race you are running in. For example, almost every tea party candidate is running against President Obama and not standing on issues that are important for their state or district. They forget that they are running for Congress or Governor, not for President of the United States. I was pleased, however, to see the focus of the Republican candidate for governor John Kasich. He recognizes the need for Ohio to become more business-friendly by doing away with needless regulation that is so prevalent in that state. Also Ohio needs to diversify their economy with more service and high tech jobs and not just wait for manufacturing to come back.



Also Kasich recognizes that health care is a pressing issue and has presented a free market alternative to Obamacare. This plan allows consumers to purchase health care across state lines, limit frivolous law suits, and cover pre-existing conditions. Although this plan requires an act of congress, it is refreshing to see a Republican take this issue head on instead of hiding his head in the sand. I believe great things are coming to Ohio if John Kasich is elected.

The Moderate Voting Guide, Part 2

Georgia's governors race has been a classic mud-slinging fest. Sadly, there is no clear cut better candidate. During the campaign, voters have learned how "terribly awful" the other candidate is, but realitvely little about why a certain candidiate would make a better governor than the other.

That being said, I am planning to vote for Democrat Roy Barnes. He seems to have the most common sense out of the two candidates. I like his ideas about bringing Georgia back to the real issue at hand: jobs. This ad pretty much settled in for me:



Roy also has proposed a plan to update state owened buildings to new enviromental standards in order to employ consturction workers.

His competitior Congressman Nathan Deal worries me because of his sketchy past as a congressman and his persoanl finacial disarray. We will ahve to see what the future holds for Georgia and frankly I am not very enthusastic about either candidiate.

Labor Economics at its finest

and Unions at their worst... Enjoy!

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Update on Sam Granato

I was pleased to see that Ogden's Standard Examiner also endorsed Sam Granato for United States Senator from Utah. They also outline Granato's common sense approach to government as opposed to Lee's pandering to the extreme right. As with most Standard editorials it was accompanied by this Grondahl cartoon. Have a nice weekend!

You do have Free Speech but...

...do you really have to use it. KSL is reporting that the infamous Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas is coming to Utah. This church earned a national reputation for protesting the funerals of soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. In their announcement the church said that they will exercise their right to peacefully protest this young man's funeral. The last line says, "Thank God for IEDs". Frankly, this is sick.


Granted they do have their right of free speech, but choosing this venue to do so is twisted and disrespectful. We may have differing opinions about the wars and the decision to go to war, but that is no excuse for abusing this solders family and loved ones. The logic is the same for LDS General Conference protesters and the pastor who threatened to burn the Koran. You have the right to do it, but it still does not make it appropriate or acceptable.

Have some decency people!

The Moderate Voting Guide, Part 1

With the U.S. midterm elections only two weeks away...I have decided to let you all in on who I am going to vote for (or would vote for if I lived in that state). This is a tough decision for me because I have very rarely voted for Democrats, but frankly this year many Republicans scare me.

My first endorsement is going to Sam Granato, who is the Democrat running for United States Senator from Utah.

I have made it my disappointment over the ousting of Senator Bob Bennett in the Utah Republican Convention very clear. My support for Granato comes after much research and inner thought. Sam is a moderate Democrat who shares my views regarding illegal immigration and the Constitution. I am skeptical of candidates who feign love for the constitution, but are quick to want to reshape it in their own image. Lee has openly stated his support for adjusting the 14th Amendment and repeal the 17th Amendment (popular election of Senators).

Wasteful government spending is an issue will rear its head in the upcoming Congressional Session. Mike Lee has promised to bring in no earmarks to Utah. While this stance may be honorable among ideologues, it could hurt infrastructure development, higher education, and key defense jobs associated with Hill Air Force Base. All of these are crucial to Utah's economic future. If Mike Lee won't work for this needed federal spending. Then our tax money will simply go to larger states like California.

Sam is a small business man who has been active in the community. His co-chairman are Frank Layden and Mac Christensen; two trusted men in the community. Sam supports common sense solutions to our perplexing problems that are not extreme to any side. What Utah needs is not someone who can spew out campaign slogans, but someone who will work with both sides and represent the state well.

To read up on Sam Granato before the election check out these links:

Deseret News Bio

Salt Lake Tribune Endorsement

Campaign Website