ALTA, Utah (ABC 4 News) – Getting some much needed sleep tonight, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman is resting in the Beehive state. He’s preparing to start serious family talks over a possible run for the White House.
“I can't think of a better place I'd like to be for a couple of days because we have had no rest and no time to decompress since the day we stepped off the plane from China,” said Jon Huntsman Jr.
Huntsman is using the weekend to talk with his family about possibly entering the presidential race.
“This is not an easy decision to make. It carries with it a wide range of implications for us immediately and for people around us and we want to make sure we are pretty methodical,” said Huntsman.
“He's a very talented and wonderful individual. We're very honored to be his parents. We're very excited on whatever decision he makes,” said Jon Huntsman Sr.
Hinckley Institute of Politics Director Kirk Jowers says if Huntsman throws his hat in the ring, this could be a great race.
“You know, you hear democrats talk a lot about two of Utah's favorite sons. Romney and Huntsman,” said Jowers.
Jowers says Huntsman particularly threatens democrats because of his more moderate stance. That could give him the chance to steal votes from independents who could be willing to swing their vote.
“I think if he declares he and his family will be ready and they'll make it an even more interesting race especially for us here in Utah,” said Jowers.
Huntsman believes he and his family will reach a decision on whether or not to run for top office in the next two or three weeks.
“We kind of look straight ahead at the terrific country we have and what might need to be addressed and make the decision based on our own timeline,” said Huntsman.
Jowers says he likes Huntsman’s timeline. He says it gets him in the race quick enough to raise money and prepare for debates.
