GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman, Jr., announced on Monday he was bringing to an end his bid for the White House, marking an end to the candidacy of one of the most pro-gay contenders in the Republican field.
In an address to supporters at Myrtle Beach, S.C., the former Utah governor announced he was exiting the race and throwing his support behind frontrunner Mitt Romney.
“I am suspending my campaign for the presidency,” Huntsman said. “I believe it is now time for our party to unite around the candidate best equipped to defeat Barack Obama. Despite our differences and the space between us on some of the issues, I believe that candidate is Gov. Mitt Romney.”
The former Massachusetts governor wasn’t in attendance during the event, but said via Twitter, “I salute Jon Huntsman & his wife Mary Kaye. He ran a campaign based on unity not division, & love of country. I appreciate his support.”
During his announcement, Huntsman criticized the “onslaught of negative and personal attacks” that he said comprised presidential campaigns, adding they distracted from the common Republican goal of seeking new leadership for the country.
“At its core the Republican Party is a party of ideas, but the current toxic form of our political discourse does not help our cause, and is just one of the many reasons why the American people have lost trust in their elected leaders,” Huntsman said.
Much attention has given to negative Super PAC ads in the presidential campaign, including ones that attack on Romney for his treatment of companies he purchased as head of Bain Capital.
Huntsman announced his departure after he finished third place in the New Hampshire primary and took 17 percent of the Republican vote. Many observers said a strong showing the libertarian-leaning state was crucial for the moderate candidate to continue his campaign.
Leaders of gay conservatives groups had different reactions to Huntsman’s exit, but had similar takes on the inclusiveness the candidate promoted during his presidential campaign.
R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of National Log Cabin Republican, said Huntsman supporters — including himself — are “sad to see such a solid pragmatic conservative” discontinue his presidential bid.
Filed under: National Headlines
Florida teen fighting criminal charges related to same-sex relationship
Harvey: Gays deserve to be fired for displaying their lifestyles to everyone
Anti-gay marriage activist commits suicide on alter at Notre Dame cathedral
Texas judge enforces ‘morality clause’ to split up lesbian couple
Candidate for Va. Lt. Governor warns same-sex marriage leads to bestiality
ACLU, attorney condemn prosecution of teen who had sex with minor girlfriend
Sex and the teenage girl: The Kaitlyn Hunt tragedy
Transgender student skips graduation rather than wear female gown
UPDATED: Police call fatal New York City shooting an anti-gay hate crime
Attorney implies suspect’s child sexual abuse was a factor NYC killing
Iowa anti-gay activist explains his opposition to gay marriage: ‘It’s awful’
Details emerge in case against teen accused of lewd behavior with girlfriend
BREAKING: French president signs marriage equality bill into law
Everything is bigger in Texas – even the homophobia
Obama delivers LGBT-inclusive commencement address at all-male college
Stephen Colbert will be devestated haha
Why? 17% not bad for this early in the race. Looks dirty to me.
Bribed. Say ok to gay and be put on the spot and lose your spot to the white house.
Wow, and to think–I’ve never even heard of him. He might have been the one to make me vote Republican. Ummm…probably not.
He just sprang out of nowhere didn’t he?
if anyone thinks that there are gay republicans they are only fooling themselves. Its an oxymoron thats like saying a nazi is pro jewish. WTH is wrong with you people?
And here I thought he’d go with a winner.
Surprise! Mormon endorses Mormon!
Yes it is surprising.
Unless? God comes down and tells them what to do? The can’t even flush the toilet without gods giving directions.
God. Still tired.
Too bad. He is smart politically and aware socially.
So, It’s official-Obama Can NOT leave the white house! We Must re-elect Obama for President, otherwise we are screwed! We already have a shit House and Congress we do not need a president that will cater to their anti-women,homophobic,and other bigot ideals and agenda.
He’s endorsing Romney because he’s the most moderate candidate left. While I consider myself far more liberal than President Barack Obama, I understand why Huntsman is Endorsing Romney.