Jon Huntsman

Distinguishing himself from the pack is nothing new for Huntsman. Two years after flouting religious and familial allegiances to endorse Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) for president over fellow Mormon Mitt Romney (R) in the 2008 presidential primary, the reliably conservative Huntsman finds himself under fire from his own base for shifting rhetoric on same-sex unions.

Meanwhile, the former Utah governor has gone on record as trashing the performance of congressional Republicans and in 2009, welcoming with open arms the very stimulus dollars that fellow GOP governors threatened to reject.

On The Issues

Jon Huntsman on the Economy

Huntsman would raise the debt ceiling as long as there was corresponding cuts in spending, and wants to consider a balanced-budget amendment. He overhauled Utah’s tax code as governor, instituting flat-tax of 5 percent and $30 million in tax incentives for industries like renewable energy.

Article: Tax Reform Defined Huntsman’s Governorship

Jon Huntsman on Energy

As governor, Huntsman supported regional cap-and-trade system aimed to encourage energy-efficient vehicles and renewable fuels. He reversed course on cap-and-trade in 2011, saying it hasn’t worked and these are tougher economic times.

Article: Jon Huntsman: The Potential Republican Presidential Candidate Democrats Most Fear

Jon Huntsman on Foreign Policy

Obama’s former ambassador to China, says a drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan is inevitable, but hasn’t said when that should occur. He opposed U.S. military intervention in Libya because of cost.

Article: Huntsman tests the waters carefully

Jon Huntsman on Health Care

He favors repeal of the 2010 health-care law. As governor, Huntsman signed a health-reform law in 2008 that he favorably compares to the Massachussets plan under Romney, which didn’t include individual mandates, anathema to many conservatives, and established a health-insurance exchange aimed at helping small businesses provide coverage to employees

Article: Huntsman Was For Health Care Mandate Before He Was Against It

Jon Huntsman on Medicare Reform

In May 2011, Huntsman clearly stated he would have voted for Ryan budget if he were in House, contending that bold proposals need to be considered because of the burgeoning federal deficit.

Blog Post: Huntsman, the Moderate, Endorses Ryan Health Care Plan

Jon Huntsman on Social Issues

Against abortion rights, making illegal as governor second-trimester abortions, informing women about fetal pain before undergoing the procedure and creating legal defense fund to defend a state abortion-ban campaign. In 2007, endorsed civil unions and legal rights for cohabitating homosexuals.

Blog Post: Huntsman’s Positions on Gay Rights are Within the GOP Mainstream

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