Jon Huntsman Endorsed by The Boston Globe

The former Utah governor scored a key endorsement from New England's largest newspaper.

Jon Huntsman photo by Kathryn Skaggs.

In what is sure to be viewed as a snub to former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, Jon Huntsman received an endorsement today from the Boston Globe.

You read that right. The dude who has consistently polled at or next to last just scored a key endorsement from New England’s largest newspaper, just days before neighboring New Hampshire’s January 10th primary. The article makes consistent references to both Romney and Huntsman, asserting that both appear to be the most presidential. About Huntsman, The Globe writes:

“With a strong record as governor of Utah and US ambassador to China, arguably the most important overseas diplomatic post, Huntsman’s credentials match those of anyone in the field. He would be the best candidate to seize this moment in GOP history, and the best-prepared to be president. Huntsman governed Utah as a clear conservative who nonetheless put the interests of his state ahead of ideology.”

Conversely, the editorial amplifies what most in conservative circles complain about often – Mitt Romney is not clear and lacks conviction.

“Without personal experience to guide him, Romney is catering to the most vocal constituencies in the national-security wing of the GOP… Romney’s ultimate intentions aren’t clear. Is this for real? Both his supporters and detractors suspect that behind the conservative scaffolding is a data-driven moderate who will make practical compromises. But the way Romney has run his campaign, it’s impossible to tell.”

Fighting words, no doubt.

Although I consistently poke fun at Jon Huntsman – no one knows who he is despite being a mega-bazillionaire with a stellar resume and excellent credentials – I’ve been puzzled as to why he hasn’t caught on thus far. Nonetheless, it’ll be interesting to see if this has any effect on the upcoming primary in New Hampshire. The Globe is widely circulated throughout New England, and Boston media has a definite influence on southern New Hampshire. Though Mitt Romney has a solid lead in the polls there, Jon Huntsman has ticked up slightly in the past few months, as he’s basically staked all chances for a shot at the presidency in the Granite State.

Read the full endorsement here.