2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

ACU Announces Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman To Address CPAC Florida

ACU Announces Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman to Address CPAC Florida
Nine Presidential Candidates Now Scheduled to Address Inaugural Regional Conservative Political Action Conference

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The American Conservative Union (ACU) today announced former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman will address CPAC FL – the organization’s first in an inaugural series of regional events expanding on the legacy of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). CPAC FL will be held this fall in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, September 23, 2011.

“As a two-term Republican chief executive of one of the most conservative states in the nation, Jon Huntsman built a strong record of cutting taxes, enacting pro-growth economic policies – from corralling government spending to balancing the state’s budget – and making Utah a leading state for job creation,” said ACU Chairman Al Cardenas. “He’s been a defender of liberty and signed strong pro-life legislation restricting abortions. We look forward to Governor Huntsman’s address at our inaugural regional CPAC.”

Just like the ACU’s marquee gathering in Washington, DC every spring – the nation’s largest annual gathering of grassroots activists – CPAC FL will bring national and state conservative leaders and grassroots activists together for a day of blockbuster speeches, policy discussions and networking opportunities – all celebrating the shared principles of smaller government, a strong national defense and traditional values.

Located at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, confirmed speakers also include Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R – MN), businessman Herman Cain, ACU Chairman Cardenas, bestselling author Ann Coulter, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, founder of The Weekly Standard Bill Kristol, Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R – MI), Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Faith & Freedom Coalition Chairman Ralph Reed, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and former Senators Rick Santorum and Jim Talent. Invited speakers include many more conservative heroes.

Governor Jon Huntsman Statement On Debt Ceiling Deal

Governor Jon Huntsman Statement on Debt Ceiling Deal

"While this framework is not my preferred outcome, it is a positive step toward cutting our nation's crippling debt.

"Because the legislation promises cuts commensurate with the debt ceiling increase, forces a vote on a much-needed federal balanced budget amendment and provides the only avenue to avoid default, I encourage members of Congress to vote for this legislation.

"While some of my opponents ducked the debate entirely, others would have allowed the nation to slide into default and President Obama refused to offer any plan, I have been proud to stand with congressional Republicans working for these needed and historic cuts. A debt crisis like this is a time for leadership, not a time for waiting to see which way the political winds blow.

"Going forward, I will aggressively advocate for a plan from the congressional committee that includes real cuts, entitlement reform, and revenue-neutral tax reforms -- without any tax hikes.

"The Republican members of Congress deserve tremendous credit for moving this debate to the forefront and at long last beginning to get Washington in line."

Governor Jon Huntsman Statement on Passage of Boehner Debt Limit Plan

Governor Jon Huntsman Statement on Passage of Boehner Debt Limit Plan

"This evening we saw actual leadership in our nation's capital - something the American people have not seen from President Obama or my opponents.

"It's easy to talk about hope, bang podiums, and point fingers. It's another thing to stand up and offer a serious solution like Speaker Boehner's proposal.

"The debt ceiling circus is just the latest example of Washington's failure to rise to the occasion. We have a generational opportunity to get our books in order and stop spending money we don't have.

"Speaker Boehner's proposal is a step in that direction. But we have a long way to go and this President has proven he's unwilling to lead us there.

"This country needs an experienced leader with serious solutions. A proven leader with more than rhetoric - a leader with a record.

"I refuse to pass down a country to the next generation less good than the one I inherited. At this late hour, it's time for President Obama to demonstrate some leadership by working to pass the Boehner plan in the Senate and signing it into law."

Jon Huntsman New Hampshire Schedule August 1-5, 2011

GOVERNOR JON HUNTSMAN RELEASES DETAILS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE TRIP – AUGUST 1 - 5

Orlando, FL - Jon Huntsman for President today released the details of Governor Huntsman's trip to New Hampshire on August 1st thru 5th.

The following are events currently scheduled and are subject to change:

Monday, August 1st:

*12:30 PM --
Tours FIRST with Dean Kamen
200 Bedford Street
Manchester, NH 03101
 
6:30 PM --
Speaks at House Party
27 Alice Lane
Rochester, NH 03867

Tuesday, August 2nd:

*12:00 PM --
Tours Cirtronics and Speaks with Employees
528 Route 13 South
Milford, NH 03055

Wednesday, August 3rd:

7:00 PM --
Speaks at House Party at Home of Fergus Cullen
152 Boxwood Lane
Dover, NH 03820
Thursday, August 4th:

*12:00 PM --
Speaks to Members of the Salem Chamber of Commerce
Southern New Hampshire University - Salem
25 Pelham Road, 3rd Floor
Salem, NH 03079
 
7:10 PM --
Speaks with Members of the Derry GOP Committee
Halligan Tavern
32 West Broadway
Derry, NH 03038

Friday, August 5th:

*12:15 PM --
Speaks with Members of the Nashua Chamber of Commerce
142 Main Street, 5th Floor
Nashua, NH 03060
 
6:50 PM --
Speaks with Members of the Portsmouth GOP Committee
Roundabout Diner Lounge
580 US Highway 1 Bypass – Traffic Circle
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Gov. Jon Huntsman Speaks At The College Republicans National Convention On Friday, July 29, 2011

Governor Jon Huntsman's Schedule for July 28th and 29th Speaking Engagements in Washington D.C.

Orlando, FL - Jon Huntsman for President today announced that Gov. Huntsman will speak at the 2nd Annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner on Thursday, July 28 and the College Republicans National Convention on Friday, July 29 in Washington, D.C.

The following scheduled events are subject to change:

Thursday, July 28:

6:30 PM

Gov. Huntsman Speaks at 2nd Annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner
The Hyatt Regency
400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Friday, July 29:

7:00 PM

Gov. Huntsman Speaks at College Republicans National Convention
The Marriot Renaissance DuPont
1143 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036

Three New Hampshire State Representatives - Julie Brown, Jim Waddell and Adam Schroadter Endorse Jon Huntsman For President

NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE REPRESENTATIVES ENDORSE JON HUNTSMAN FOR PRESIDENT
Representatives Brown, Waddell and Schroadter to Organize In Their Districts

Manchester, NH - Three New Hampshire State Representatives -- Julie Brown, Jim Waddell and Adam Schroadter -- today announced their endorsement of Jon Huntsman for President of the United States. Each of the Representatives will help organize grassroots efforts in their districts and host events for Governor Huntsman.

"Over the last three years, we have seen our nation's debt skyrocket with fiscal malpractice in Washington. We need someone in the White House who can make a change," said Representative Julie Brown. "New Hampshire residents want a President who will go to Washington and get things done, not just make campaign promises. There's no question that on day one, Jon Huntsman is prepared to tackle our country's toughest issues and I am proud to support him."

Representative Brown has represented Strafford District 1 since 1988, previously serving as a Selectwoman for the City of Rochester. She is a resident of Rochester, New Hampshire, and a member of the National Federation of Republican Women and the Rochester Task Force for Homeless Children.

"Governor Huntsman knows how to lead," said Representative Jim Waddell. "As Governor of Utah, Jon made record tax cuts and helped create thousands of jobs. This country is in desperate need of a leader in Washington who can put Americans back to work, and there is no question in my mind that Jon Huntsman is the right man for the job."

Representative Waddell represents Rockingham District 15, is a resident of Hampton, New Hampshire, and retired as a school teacher after 36 years of service. He is the former Hampton GOP Chairman and an instructor at Ability Plus, a charitable organization which helps people with disabilities.

"Our country needs a leader who will empower the private sector to create well-paying, lasting jobs instead of continuing the current Administration's expansion of the public sector," said Representative Adam Schroadter. "Governor Huntsman has a record of giving small businesses the tools they need to succeed. As a small business owner myself and someone concerned with the future of our country and New Hampshire, I proudly endorse Governor Jon Huntsman for President."

Representative Schroadter represents Rockingham District 12 and is a resident of Newmarket, New Hampshire. He is also a small business owner, running Stone Church, a restaurant and event space in Newmarket.

"I am humbled by the endorsement of today’s group of Representatives, and I can’t wait to deliver our message of a more responsible and effective government in Washington to their constituents," said Governor Huntsman.

Past New Hampshire Senate President Stewart Lamprey Endorses Jon Huntsman For President

PAST NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATE PRESIDENT STEWART LAMPREY ENDORSES JON HUNTSMAN FOR PRESIDENT
Lamprey to Join Huntsman for President New Hampshire Steering Committee

Manchester, NH - Long-time New Hampshire public servant Stewart Lamprey today announced he is throwing his support behind Governor Jon Huntsman for President of the United States and joining Governor Huntsman's New Hampshire steering committee. Lamprey cited Governor Huntsman's record of job creation and fiscal management as the chief reason for his endorsement.

"Our country is at a crossroads and New Hampshire residents will have the opportunity to greatly influence which path we go down," said Lamprey. "Governor Huntsman has a record of accomplishment as Governor of Utah, Ambassador to China and Singapore and a job creator in the private sector. He has the visionary leadership we need in the White House and he is the only conservative candidate who can beat Barack Obama. I am proud to endorse Governor Huntsman for President of the United States."

Lamprey has served a variety of roles in New Hampshire government including: President of the Senate, Speaker of the House and Chief of Staff to the late Governor Walter Peterson. He also served as Undersecretary of Commerce in Washington, D.C. In the private sector, Lamprey founded Lamprey & Lamprey Realtors which serves clients throughout the lakes region of New Hampshire.

"Stewart has dedicated his life to serving the people of New Hampshire both in the Senate and House as well as the Governor’s Office," said Governor Huntsman. "I am grateful for his endorsement today and I look forward to working with him to get more Granite Staters back to work and our country back on track."

Jon Huntsman Announces Endorsement Of The Family Of Former South Carolina Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr.

Huntsman Campaign Adds Coveted Endorsement in South Carolina

Orlando – Today Jon Huntsman for President announced the endorsement of the family of legendary South Carolina Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr., as well as his former chief of staff.

"I am humbled by the support of Gov. Campbell’s family and colleague, and will work tirelessly to live up to his remarkable legacy," said Gov. Huntsman. "Gov. Campbell set the standard for modern-day governors, myself included, especially in the areas of economic development and job creation. Our nation is in desperate need of free-market, pro-growth policies - the same kind of policies Gov. Campbell offered in South Carolina, and that I acted on in Utah to make it the fastest-growing state in the nation."

The late Governor Campbell helped build the modern-day Republican Party in South Carolina. He is largely credited for modernizing the state's economy, spurring job growth and luring businesses such as BMW with his conservative policies.

He was also a major political influence on the national stage. Gov. Campbell was instrumental in helping elect Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, having served as chairman of their respective campaigns in South Carolina.

"Jon Huntsman is the kind of leader America needs in the White House," said First Lady Iris Campbell. "He is a principled conservative who always fights for what he believes. Carroll would have enjoyed supporting Jon, and I am proud to offer my support."

"I am extremely impressed by Gov. Huntsman and his record of accomplishment in Utah," said Carroll Campbell, III, Gov. Campbell’s eldest son. "He balanced budgets, created jobs and passed free-market health care reform without mandates. As Gov. Huntsman travels this state and spreads his message, I am confident South Carolinians will rally around the campaign."

Mike Campbell, Gov. Campbell's youngest son and 2008 South Carolina Chairman of Mike Huckabee’s campaign, continued: "As governor of Utah, Jon Huntsman demonstrated he is the type of problem-solver our country needs. He is the right leader for our party and our country in this important election."

Joining Gov. Huntsman, Iris, Carroll and Mike at today's press conference in Greenville was Bob McAlister, Gov. Campbell's former chief of staff.

Jon Huntsman Campaign Adds Mark McIntosh As Policy Director

Huntsman Campaign Adds Policy Director

Orlando - Today, Jon Huntsman for President announced the hiring of Mark McIntosh as Policy Director.

"Governor Huntsman is the only candidate in the race with a track record that demonstrates he has what it takes to create jobs and get our fiscal house in order," said Mark McIntosh. "It is an honor to be working for a candidate with such a deep understanding of domestic and foreign policy and a clear vision for our country's path forward."

McIntosh has extensive experience as a strategic policy advisor in both the public and private sectors. He most recently served as Counsel at Boyden Gray & Associates in Washington, D.C., where he provided guidance on energy and natural resource issues. Until 2009, McIntosh was Deputy General Counsel for the White House Council on Environmental Quality. He previously served in the Executive Office of the President under George W. Bush, as Senior Operations Officer for the Pew Environment Group, and as president for seven years of an international organization focused on marine conservation efforts.

"I am thrilled to welcome Mark to our team," said Huntsman's national campaign manager Susie Wiles. "He will be a tremendous asset in helping to shape the campaign and lead Jon Huntsman to victory.

Jon Huntsman For President Announces Massachusetts Leadership Team

JON HUNTSMAN FOR PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES MASSACHUSETTS LEADERSHIP TEAM

Orlando - Today, Jon Huntsman for President announced its Massachusetts leadership team. Former Massachusetts State Party Chairman Jim Rappaport will serve as Huntsman's Massacusetts Chairman and Northeast Regional Co-Chair. Peter Monaco and Peter Malone will serve as Massachusetts Finance Co-Chairs and will be joined by Rice Powell on the Northeast Regional Finance Team.

Rappaport was the Republican nominee for Senate in Massachusetts in 1990 and a member of the Republican National Committee from 1992-1997. Malone and Monaco have both been long-time financial supporters of Republican candidates and causes in Massachusetts and nationally.

"Jon Huntsman's record of tax cuts, conservative and effective health care reform, and job creation is unparalleled in the Republican Primary field," Rappaport said. "Anyone can talk about how they would implement conservative, pro-growth policies, Jon Huntsman has actually done it. He's the kind of leader our country needs if we are going to turn our economy and country around."

"We are very pleased to have such accomplished individuals leading our effort in Massachusetts and across the Northeast region," Jon Huntsman for President Campaign Manager Susie Wiles said.

Bios

Jim Rappaport is a real estate developer, entrepreneur, attorney, and political activist. He currently serves as Chairman of Specialty Hospitals of America, LLC and Chairman and CEO of New Boston Fund, Inc. In 1985, Rappaport was elected Chairman of the Mass Taxpayers Committee, an organization that provided political education for fiscally responsible Massachusetts legislators. In 1990, Rappaport was the Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. He was Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party and a member of the Republican National Committee from 1992 to 1997. He has been a well- known fund-raiser for Republicans throughout the country, and has served as a regional Chair of the Republican National Committee Finance Committee and was national Finance Chair for Kasich 2000, Congressman John Kasich's Presidential Committee. In 2002, he ran for the Massachusetts Republican nomination for Lt. Governor.

Peter Monaco is a Managing Director of Raptor Group Holdings, a Boston, MA based privately held diversified asset management firm which he helped found in January 2009. Mr. Monaco is a member of the Board of Directors of the Steppingstone Foundation, a Boston based organization which provides educational opportunities for disadvantaged children and is also involved in numerous other philanthropic and charitable activities. Monaco is a long-time contributer to Republican causes nationally and in Massachusetts.

Peter Malone has been Managing Director of CSP Associates, Inc. since 1985. CSP is a leading strategy advisory firm, specializing in the aerospace, defense and information technology sectors. Malone has been a major supporter of the Massachusetts Republican Party. As a top bundler for John McCain in 2008 he brought in over $250k.

Rice Powell - Rice Powell was named Deputy Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius Medical Care North America, the largest company devoted to patient-oriented renal therapy, on January 1, 2010.