Here are some fun facts about Jon Huntsman Jr.: He’s the former governor of Utah; he’s a Mormon; he last worked as an envoy to China for President Obama; and he’s now challenging his former boss for the White House by running for president on the Republican ticket. –KA

Update: Political analyst types are suggesting that Obama’s appointment of Huntsman to the China job was, at least in part, politically motivated. Simply put, according to this line of argument, Obama didn’t want to have to run against Huntsman in 2012.

Bloomberg Businessweek:

Among Huntsman’s biggest challenges is setting himself apart from Mitt Romney, another telegenic former governor with a reputation as a fiscal conservative and social moderate. Both men also are Mormons. Romney is the front runner for the Republican nomination in most polls as he embarks on his second presidential run, and as Massachusetts’ former governor he enjoys a regional advantage in the New Hampshire primary race.

Fergus Cullen, a former chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party, said of Huntsman: “As the rest of the field is trying to differentiate themselves from Mitt Romney, he’s got as big a job as anyone.”

Read more

WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG