Republican presidential candidate
Jon Huntsman says he is skipping the Iowa caucuses next year. And Iowa’s Republican Secretary of State Matt Schultz isn’t too happy about it, Politico reports.
During the weekend the former Utah governor said he’ll avoid Iowa because he doesn't believe in “subsidies that prop up corn, soybeans and ethanol.”
That didn’t sit well with Schultz.
“Is Jon Huntsman not coming to Iowa because he opposes ethanol subsidies or because he is afraid to explain his positions on other issues?” Schultz said in a statement.
“Iowa Congressman Steve King opposes ethanol subsidies, and he continues to get re-elected with large margins of victory. If Mr. Huntsman refuses to compete in a bellwether state like Iowa, he is not ready for the big dance. After all, our last two presidents won the Iowa Caucus before they went to the White House.”
One event the former ambassador to China won’t skip is the College Republican National Committee (CRNC) convention, where Huntsman will be the keynote speaker July 29, Politico reports. About 500 to 700 young Republican enthusiasts will attend.
And what could that speech mean for Huntsman?
“Our speakers have an unparalleled opportunity to connect with young leaders, all of whom are eager to get involved in the 2012 process,” said CRNC spokesman Rob Lockwood. Huntsman already has sought to gain youth support, giving college commencement speeches in New Hampshire and South Carolina, where he touted his former participation in a rock band.
He garnered an endorsement over the weekend from the leaders of a group formerly known as Students for Daniels.
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