Huntsman to gain first congressional backer
Manchester, New Hampshire (CNN) - GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman will pick up his first congressional endorsement in the final days before the New Hampshire primary, CNN has learned.
Rep. Richard Hanna, a first-term Republican congressman from New York, has decided to back Huntsman, two sources said Saturday.
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Hanna has followed Huntsman's campaign with interest and originally spoke with the former Utah governor last month, according to one Hanna aide. The congressman was unavailable for comment Saturday.
The aide said Hanna came to support Huntsman in part because of the candidate's push for better education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
However, the two Republicans also share some similarities in their independent approach to party orthodoxy. In Congress, Hanna is a member of both the conservative Republican Study Committee and a caucus that promotes equality for gays and lesbians.
Hanna is one of a handful of congressional Republicans who have not signed a pledge to automatically oppose any legislation that might raise taxes.
In his stump speech, Huntsman frequently vows not to "sign silly pledges" as he campaigns for the GOP nomination.
Huntsman has run a shoe-leather campaign in New Hampshire, aiming to win by wooing voters on a personal level and forging ahead without the big-name, big-dollar support enjoyed by some of his rivals.
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In my opinion Jon Huntsman and Buddy Roemer are the only 2 sensible and reasonable Repugs in the running.
This is the man America needs. Wake up GOP. Wake up America!
Huntsman may be a truly fiscal conservative, but to call him a Rep. is an insult. He is far too intelligent, has far too much compassion, and not enough bigotry to qualify as a Rep. Were I not a Dem. and not a staunch supporter of our president I could easily vote for him. Maybe in 2016???
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
The endorsement should make all the difference.
It is about time for someone to support Huntsman. It seems that he isn't going to make it because he understand that science should be listened to. He is too "moderate" compared to the rest of the lot. The nominee is likely going to be either Romney or Santorum. Paul will change and challenge the other two.
Again, I have never seen a less inspiring field of candidates. I seriously am not all that concerned that any of these jokers will look good when the field clears and they have to face President Obama without the distraction of the other "candidates".
During the abc news debates, note that Huntsman was only candidate in support of Civil Unions for Gay Couples! Truly the sensible choice!
@Steve Daniels – You are correct. The GOP seems to lack candidates who can relate to real America. Gay people are part of the American landscape and it is high time that they are allowed the dignity of civil unions. Sometimes, people, love does not look like you think it should.
As a Democrat, I am so looking forward for him to win the nomination. And yes, I would vote for him! I don't understand why Republicans have to go with the crazy ones. If you truly want for a Republican to win, HE is the one! Independents like him! Moderate Democrats like him! Moderate Republicans like him! Every other candidate is a joke, and that includes Ron Paul who in my opinion is an isolationists. Also, Ron Paul a doctor, who doesn't believe in evolution or science? That should give you an idea how absurd and a joke of a candidate he is!
Run as a democrat or independent in 2016 and you will win the presidency...goodluck Jon.
Huntsman is the only level-headed Republican in the field. It is sad the the extreme right has taken over that party, and by doing so not giving someone of Huntsman's caliber much of a chance. I am a Democratic-leaning independent, but I would seriously consider voting for Huntsman if and when given the chance.