MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, a Republican who until the spring served as President Barack Obama's ambassador to China, is running for president, officials said Tuesday.
The Republican planned to formally announce his intentions June 21 at Liberty State Park in New Jersey, with the Statue of Liberty in the background, these officials familiar with Huntsman's thinking told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to avoid publically pre-empting Huntsman. He was set to suggest as much later Tuesday in an appearance in New York City.
Huntsman, a little-known two-term governor from a conservative state whose moderate stances on some issues and service under the Democratic president could inflame the Republican Party's right-leaning base, enters a GOP presidential field that's taking shape by the week.
Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann announced her candidacy on Monday in New Hampshire during a seven-candidate debate in which Huntsman did not participate. He had said he would not participate in debates until he made a final decision about a White House run.
Even so, his entrance into the race has been all but certain for weeks.
