Reader comments: Huntsman formally endorses Chaffetz

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Mom to Many | 6:35 a.m. July 24, 2008
Good on ya, guv. I'd vote for Chaffetz with or without Huntsman's endorsement, but an endorsement from a wildly popular governor can't be a bad thing for Jason. And boy did he nail it - Jason Chaffetz is a HARD worker, something that will serve him well in Congress. Go Jason! Thanks, Huntsman.
re: Mom to Many | 7:08 a.m. July 24, 2008
I 100% believe you are one of the inner circle members of Jason Chaffetz's campaign. I see your comments pop up often.
As for Chaffetz, I think he will work hard. You're right. But it's a little embarassing that his former boss didn't endorse him until the end of July.
arc | 7:15 a.m. July 24, 2008
I spent a lot of time before deciding to support Jason Chaffetz at convension. I went and ate pie with David Leavitt, and I had met and asked questions of Chris Cannon for years. I read their information provided on issues, etc.

The 1st time I went and heard Jason Chaffetz, I was impressed. Not that I agreed with him 100%, but he could defend his stand, and was willing to listen to me.

I voted for Jason at Convention, 3 times. He was just a few votes short of winning the GOP spot without a primary.

I was very impressed with Jason. I still am.

That said, I thought it bad manners for Chris Cannon to seek Pres. Bush and many of the other GOP leaders endorsement before the GOP candidate was selected. I was impressed that Gov. Huntsman stayed out of it, prior to the primary. It only makes sense, for the main GOP elected officials to now support their parties candidate. Not all of them have, but we have two US senators and now the governor of Utah that are supporting Jason. They realize that even though they might not agree with everything, Jason is the best.
Comments continue below
Mom to Many | 7:46 a.m. July 24, 2008
Inner circle? Why thank you for the compliment, but no, I'm not. I've met Jason and, as I've said before, I am one of 1000 volunteers who hopes to see him win in November, but mostly, I'm just a mom who wants to see someone in DC stand on principle - and who will be responsive to their constituents. I actually do have a life outside politics and message boards. ;) The portion that takes up the most time right now is the garden (well, the weeds in the garden) and getting my many children ready for school to start in 3 weeks.
Enough of the GOP | 7:50 a.m. July 24, 2008
Since I'm not a huge fan of "I'll-say-whatever-gets-me-reelected-even-if-I-change-my-mind" Huntsman, I guess I'll look to Bennion Spencer, another hard worker.
Endorsements | 8:05 a.m. July 24, 2008
Like Mom to Many, I would have voted for Chaffetz anyway, but I'm glad to see Huntsman finally endorsing him. I like Huntsman's innovation and new ideas, I like that he doesn't mind shaking up the Utah legislature - or state employees, for that matter (like today's article on a "calcified work force"). Huntsman obviously saw good things in Jason or he wouldn't have used him as campaign manager or chief of staff. Huntsman is also very politically astute - I'm sure the timing of his endorsement is no accident.
re: Mom to many | 8:25 a.m. July 24, 2008
Understood. Thanks! ;)
Great Scott! | 9:41 a.m. July 24, 2008
arc - I think you said it better than I ever could. I share you opinion that it was poor form for endorsements to have been handed out prior to the primaries, before the outcome was more certain. Now it's left a few members of the GOP delegation with egg on their face and now they're having to backtrack their words and endorse Jason--which makes them look a bit two-faced. Huntsman waiting until after the primary to endorse Jason makes him a real class act in my book. Now perhaps Huntsman's endorsement will lay some stupid rumors regarding the circumstances of Jason's departure from his Chief of Staff department started by the Cannon campaign for rest once and for all!
Elkman. | 12:01 p.m. July 24, 2008
Pretty boy Huntsman finally makes a decision. He needs to go. Vote Springmeyer in November!!
James | 9:52 p.m. July 24, 2008
Good to know the Deseret News has endorsed Chaffetz finally. They are screeing any email that calls him on the rug for what he is.

The thinking is done. Now we turn our brain off and do what we are told. Or so says the screeners at the Deseret News.

As a Republican, I'm campaigning for the only honest person in the 3rd: Spencer Bennion.
EmbracemyValue | 10:10 p.m. July 24, 2008
I agree with Great Scott! It is poor form to hand out endorsements before the primary. Many of our party leaders violated the neutrality clause in other races, even before convention by doing just that.
I am also a Chaffetz volunteer who would like to see him win in November. I have met him a handful of times, and each time he has been cordial and polite about fielding peoples questions and LISTENING to their feedback. He is very personable and passionate.
arc | 11:58 p.m. July 24, 2008
Elkman: Huntsman Jr. in his 11th grade High School photo might be considered by some, a photo of a "pretty boy", but he isn't now and Jon Huntsman Jr. is not a fool. He has one of the sharpest dads out there, and he has learned a few things from him, and others.

Do I agree with Jon Huntsman on everything? No. I would have voted for Fred Lampropolis if I had a chance. I lost my delegate vote at convention that year and didn't get it back for a year when that person moved, so I didn't get the chance to vote to decide who would make it to the primary. I knew Gov. Walker was out. She vetoed the special needs voucher bill, which meant she was in the back pocket of the UEA. I thought Fred L. had a chance. But when It came to the primary, I voted for Jon H. Anyone that has been interviewed by City Weekly has guts, especially drinking milk at a Tiki pub.

I am voting for both Gov. Huntsman and Jason Chaffetz, realizing they differ on some of my opinions. They are the best choice.

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