10 Things You Didn't Know About Jon Huntsman Jr.
Huntsman is a potential running mate for John McCain
Sen. John McCain disclosed that he is in the "embryonic stages" of selecting a running mate, whom he hopes to introduce at the Republican National Convention. While he refused to disclose any names, McCain told reporters that the list is about 20 deep, and "it's every name imaginable." This is one of a series of profiles on the candidates we imagine might be on his list and some things you might not know about the maybe veeps. See the full list here.
Jon Huntsman is the governor of Utah and is thought to be a possible running mate for McCain.
1. John Huntsman Jr. was born March 26, 1960, in Palo Alto, Calif., the eldest of nine children. His father, Jon M. Huntsman Sr., is a Utah chemicals billionaire and philanthropist. His maternal grandfather, Elder David B. Haight, was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2. Huntsman's earliest memories of business are of making sales calls with his father in Southern California, selling eggs to grocery stores.
3. His first job in Washington was delivering the Washington Star newspaper. The family lived in the capital while Jon Sr. worked in the Nixon administration.
4. Huntsman is a musician. In high school, he played keyboards in a couple of local bands.
5. His senior year of high school, Huntsman was busy with music and lost his focus. He essentially dropped out of school and did not graduate. He entered the University of Utah that summer as a nonmatriculated student. Once he had proved himself academically, he enrolled. Later, he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a bachelor's degree in political science in 1987.
6. Huntsman took time off during his college years to serve as a Mormon missionary. He served in Taiwan, where he learned Mandarin Chinese, which he speaks fluently.
7. Huntsman's résumé includes leadership positions with the Huntsman Corp. and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. He also has served as a White House staff assistant to Ronald Reagan and has held appointments in the Commerce and State departments (including U.S. ambassador to Singapore, deputy U.S. trade representative, and U.S. trade ambassador).
8. In 2004, Huntsman was elected governor of Utah.
9. Huntsman is fan of rock music, motorcycles, mountain biking, reading, and playing the piano. He also enjoys "dinking," a term he coined for taking his kids to eat at greasy-spoon diners.
10. Huntsman and his wife, Mary Kaye, have seven children, including two adopted daughters (one from China and one from India).
Sources:
Associated Press State and Local Wire
Carroll's State Directory
Deseret Morning News
Utah.gov: Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr.
Salt Lake Tribune
Reader Comments
My 2 Cents Worth
I live in Utah. I have been impressed with Jon Huntsman, Jr., of late. He has become a better governor once he decided he wasn't going to run anymore. Then he started moving himself out the Mormon Church political stranglehold on state politics (perhaps with their permission?), gambling that the recovery of the GOP depends on a move toward the center and away from the lunacy fringe. He came out in favor of civil unions, for one, and decided climate change is a problem, unlike most Utah legislators who think God is in charge of the climate.
I have one problem so far with Jon Huntsman, Jr. Like George W. Bush, his father's money has bought him everything in his life. Read the article: he made millions working for his father's corporation. He became governor because his father's plastics empire was worth a fortune that he could use for campaigns. Jon Huntsman won't ever be a viable presidential candidate, but he seems to be a decent public servant. I hope he will be a good ambassador for the US to China, and not only a good ambassador for the Mormon Church.
Maj MC
Just wanted to follow up on the comments from USAF "officer" MC who did not give his name, commenting upon Jon Huntsman and family values. This person is impressed with Jon Huntsman because he "met him" and because he has (7) children, to him this indicates "family values". Perhaps these values are limited to his own household? As the daughter of a USAF retired Col with over 35 years of service, having grown up in the AF and mother of three sons now serving America, I can attest to what happened to my family. We were cheated in the collecting of family support money that was owed to us from an employee of Huntsman Corp. The company, Huntsman Corp. not only refused to withhold payments, helping out a "deadbeat" employee until he could retire, but the company also lied to the courts in Colorado, saying the company had no business contacts here. This obvious lie kept them out of the courtroom for some time still enabling this deadbeat situation and cheating us out of significant money that was owed to us.(and is still owed with interest accumulating). Falisfying information to the courts is considered Fraud. I have the details, and documents, should anyone want to enquire. This company simply did not think one Mom from Colorado would stand up to them and took an illegal risk, that did not pan out. This legal issue is ongoing and based statute. So think about it, which family values or must we determine which family is more important? Another question, shouldn't this company have to follow the law and the rules as do others ? This continues to be an issue for this company and a it is a question of ethics, integrity, not to mention lies to the court. So I would dispute the comments from Maj, Mc, just having "met someone" does not tell the story.
I have the real story to tell, about Jon Huntsman who did not answer to my personal letters some time ago offering to resolve this issue rather than have to "sue". These letters went unanswered, we informed him and he personally chose to ignore this issue relying upon a law firm instead who lied on his behalf. I do not consider "family values" to be limited to just ones own, how about respect for others, and respect for the law?
I can be contacted anytime at the above address in Lakewood Co. or in my previous comment. or
cweyle@yahoo.com
I will continue to Stand UP for America, for RIGHTS , for the LAW , and For Families. I welcome your support ! My family supports America, So I invite your support !
Carol Weyle
Lakewood Co
I have been in the U.S. Army for 12 years now, I served for 7 years as an active duty Army officer.
During that time, a Commander I worked with was able to meet personally w/Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr.. This Commander was a Catholic from NYC. He was very impressed w/Mr. Huntsman, as am I, and most of those who actually meet him, talk with him, or have worked with him, from what I have seen.
I do not live in Utah, but I have family members there.
I have also met Jon Huntsman's father, who is a remarkable man--meeting him only briefly is unforgettable in a work assignment, is unforgettable! He is ranked 2nd in the US for charitable contributions last year, arguably one of the greatest philanthropists we have seen.
What I have seen is indeed a commitment to family values, an ethical commitment in his father and family currently in WSJ yesterday, for the betterment of America and society in general.
Policies and beliefs of Governor Huntsman, actions and words from him, argue this point better than I could.
I do not know the individual from "Grantsville, UT," with "Three Temple Callings" who made the weak criticism of Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman, Jr., above--nor do I know "Mara of UT" who says, "He does not care about no one," or why she says this (obviously there must be some bitterness over something--and the fact she uses incorrect grammar does not mean her input is not valuable).
You will note these couple of individuals do not represent the majority of people with experience working w/Mr. Huntsman, in their home State of Utah or elsewhere in the country (and I know I speak for many others, many with even minimal contact as I have had)...
I would disregard those comments and suspend judgment if you have not met him or have not been able to read more.
I can tell you that what I have seen in him, having some limited experience, has been remarkable.
Anyone with 7 children (one from China and one from India) must have some favorable feelings about family.
I would research the matter further, and I am sure you will be impressed with this man as I am--and with his extended family!
He will go places, and do great things! Both for his family, and for the rest of us.
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