SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Utah's Governor Jon Huntsman held a press conference to outline the gubernatorial transition of power and to introduce Lt. Governor Gary Herbert as the state's next chief executive.
Governor Huntsman held the press conference Monday to discuss the transition of power from him to Lt. Governor Gary Herbert.
On Saturday, Huntsman announced he's accepting the call from President Barack Obama to be the U.S. Ambassador to China. He won't actually become an ambassador until after he's confirmed by the U.S. Senate, which could take up to a month or two. Huntsman will probably not formally resign as Governor until after the Senate vote.
Huntsman expressed his love and pride for the state of Utah, and how much he looks forward to serving his country abroad.
Huntsman also emphasized the importance of U.S.-China relations.
So what does that mean for Utah's Governor's office?
Lt. Governor Gary Herbert said he will fill the position until a special election in 2010. He also said he will try to advance the agenda set for th by Huntsman. Herbert also said while he does not agree on every political point with Huntsman, the pair agree on several issues, especially economic growth and entrepreneurism .
As to who might be Utah's next 'acting lieutenant governor,' Herbert said he has yet to decide, although several names had already been suggested to him.
In terms of succession, Huntsman told members of the press he would not resign until his ambassadorship is approved by the Senate Foreign Relations committee, which could take weeks.
Citing budget concerns, Herbert said when he is inaugurated, the ceremony would be a 'toned down' version of previous rituals.
