COMMENTARY | Sometimes, politics takes a predictable course that nevertheless raises questions about what happens next. A campaign adviser to Jon Huntsman, who had been running for the Republican Party presidential nomination, has indicated to reporters that the candidate will be dropping out of the primary race. After poor showings in both Iowa and New Hampshire, and having been at the bottom of the polls so far in South Carolina, this will not come as a surprise to many. The former candidate is now endorsing Mitt Romney for President. Though it is not a surprise, it is disappointing because, to me, he was one of the more moderate candidates.
Huntsman was the Governor of Utah until 2009. In that year, he was nominated to be the United States ambassador to China, which he was until 2011. He supported civil unions, but not marriage for same sex couples. He supported strict regulation of abortion rights. Though his tax reform plans were not as transformative as other GOP candidates’ plans, he did plan to make drastic changes, especially to the business taxes. Where he really stood apart from the field, however, was in his views on illegal immigration. During his time as governor, he provided options for illegal immigrants to legally drive and supported their ability to pay in-state tuition. He also supports expanding the options for legal immigration, which could help reduce the rate of illegal immigration.
I am left questioning what will happen to the remaining candidates. Romney is the likely front-runner, but Rick Santorum and Ron Paul have also demonstrated the ability to secure votes. If the primary is this fractured, will the party be able to come back together in support of the chosen candidate to defeat President Obama? If Ron Paul does not get the Republican nomination, will he attempt a run as a third party? Will any of the GOP candidates be able to make their voice moderate enough to have broad based appeal to grab independent voters and conservative Democrats in the general election?
Whatever happens in the end, the voters and the candidates appear to be in for a wild ride for the remainder of the primary season and the upcoming general election.