SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Utah's governor now appears less then 3 weeks away from resigning.
Jon M. Huntsman appeared before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Thursday.
And it was a love-fest.
One witness after another praised what will soon be our man in china.
Huntsman in turn praised Utah and those that live here.
Huntsman: "I want to thank the good citizens of Utah for their support and understanding as my family and I embark on this important assignment for our country."
One day before Pioneer Day, others also showed their Utah and Huntsman pride.
Sen. Orrin Hatch said Huntsman is: "A seasoned diplomat, an excellent manager, a gifted politician and a man who wants the very best for the country."
Also jumping on the Huntsman's now fast moving boat to China was the man who lost to the man who nominated Huntsman to be Ambassador.
Republican presidential candidate John McCain told the committee: "He's already made his mark as a leader and as a statesman and I think Americans are fortunate that he has agreed to re-enter the service of our nation."
While there was give and take on things like human rights and climate change, the Huntsmans are for all extensive purposes already on their way to Beijing.
And a little child shall lead them.
Before his opening statement, Governor Huntsman took time to introduce his adopted Chinese daughter, Gracie Mei.
As soon as she stood in her brightly colored Asian outfit, Huntsman’s confirmation as ambassador seemed assured.
Gracie had them at hello.
Now as far huntsman’s timeline goes:
On Tuesday, July 28th, the Foreign Relations Committee should approve his nomination.
By Friday, August 7th, the full senate will likely do the same.
And in early August Huntsman will resign and Gary Herbert will sworn in as Utah's new governor.
