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PRESS RELEASE from Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 6, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Erin Rapp (515) 282-6235

Huntsman Not Ready for the Big Dance

DES MOINES - Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz released the following statement today regarding Jon Huntsman's comments on his intention to skip the Iowa Caucus due to his opposition to ethanol subsidies:

Over the years I have heard presidential candidates state reasons for skipping the Iowa caucuses. It always leaves me wondering if those are the real reasons for not coming to Iowa. The most recent example of this is Jon Huntsman's announcement that he won't compete in Iowa. Apparently, Huntsman believes that he will not get a fair shake in Iowa because he opposes ethanol subsidies. In my opinion, this excuse seems to have as much credibility as "the dog ate my homework."

It is apparent that Mr. Huntsman is in need of a lesson in Iowa politics. Iowa is a bellwether state. We care about our families, our faith and our freedom. We are not single-issue voters. We just want to know how presidential candidates are going to make our country better. Hopefully Mr. Huntsman will change his mind and come to Iowa and explain how he plans on fixing the problems facing our country.

Iowans look forward to the opportunity to hear Mr. Huntsman's vision for America. We will listen to him explain his support for Cap and Trade. We will listen to him explain why he took more than one billion dollars in federal stimulus money. We will listen to him explain why he wants to replace his former boss, Barack Obama. We will listen to him explain why he is distancing himself from his Mormon faith. Mr. Huntsman should know that Iowans elected me as their Secretary of State and my Mormon faith was never an issue.

Is Jon Huntsman not coming to Iowa because he opposes ethanol subsidies or because he is afraid to explain his positions on other issues? Iowa Congressman Steve King opposes ethanol subsidies and he continues to get reelected 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.

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PRESS RELEASE from Iowa Democratic Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 5, 2011
CONTACT: Megan Jacobs

Jon Huntsman: Not Ready To Lead

If Jon Huntsman Can’t Face Iowa Voters, He’s Not Ready To Lead Our Country

Des Moines – In response to Jon Huntsman’s statements that he will not compete in Iowa, Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky released the following statement:

“Iowa has the First In The Nation caucus for a reason – because of our proud tradition of looking candidates in the eye and expecting an honest explanation of their record, policy beliefs and their vision for the country. For nearly 40 years candidates for President have faced that test.  If Jon Huntsman is not able to face Iowa voters and explain his positions and his record, then he is not fit to be President of the United States.

“Not only is Iowa a critical part of the nominating process, it is an important swing state in the general election. Ambassador Huntsman, or any of the other candidates who are consider skipping the state, do so not only to their detriment in the race to be the GOP nominee, but also in the general election.  And with recent data showing President Obama with a double digit lead in Iowa over nearly every GOP opponent, they already have their work cut out for them.”

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