WASHINGTON, D.C. (ABC 4 News) - The U.S. Senate voted unanimously to confirm Utah governor Jon Huntsman as ambassador to China on Friday.
Huntsman now is expected to resign as governor on Tuesday, and Gary Herbert will be inaugurated as Utah's next chief executive.
Herbert announced Tuesday that Utah senator Greg Bell was his choice to replace himself as lieutenant governor.
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) issued the following statement today after the Senate confirmed by unanimous consent Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. as U.S. ambassador to China:
“I am very pleased that the United States Senate recognized the tremendous qualities and leadership Governor Jon Huntsman will bring to the position of Ambassador to China. This position is of extreme importance to our nation and to the international world because of China’s continuing role in the global economy, and on the political international state. I look forward to great things from now Ambassador Huntsman, and have every confidence that he will continue to exemplify the leadership he demonstrated at the helm of our state, in a nation of great importance across the globe.”
Stay tuned to ABC 4 News and ABC4.com for more on this story.
