Jon Hunstman Campaign Kickoff Video is Original

Jon Huntsman is a former Utah Governor and recently resigned US Ambassador to China.  He announced for President this week and used the linked video as an opener.  As campaign videos go it is quite unusual, and also quite eyecatching, especially if you ride dirt bikes.
http://vimeo.com/25410215

The interesting thing is that many are unsure whether Hunstman will be a candidate who will support outdoor recreation and public access to public lands or not.  I received the following note and links - you can start to get an idea from them.

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Subject: Presidential candidate starts campaign on a dirt bike

Note: this is NOT an endorsement of any kind, but it's amazing that a presidential candidate opens his campaign on a CRF450 in the Utah desert.

http://vimeo.com/25410215

It doesn’t matter if you are for or against him; you gotta agreed that viewing a presidential candidate in the vast Utah desert on a motorcycle makes a statement. Be careful and study your candidates. Here is how you can get information regarding supporters of your interests:

http://trailpartyvotersguide.blogspot.com/

Some PAPA members in Utah and Colorado have requested information regarding Jon Huntsman.  Several people in the know say that there are other candidates who will represent your interest much better. I personally do not know. You research and decide.

After reviewing Don Amador’s blog and talking to involved Utah dirt bike guys, I understand that Jon Huntsman does know how to ride a dirt bike and evidently is pretty good on a closed course track. However he didn’t do ANYTHING for us as Governor.  Check out the Trailpartyvotersguide web site and draw your own conclusion.

Here are some more interesting URLs:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2011/jun/21/reid-picks-huntsman-mormon-primary/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/ralstons-flash/2011/jun/22/huntsmans-family-gave-nearly-25000-reid-last-cycle/

http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/?story=738&filter=media

www.papatelluride.org

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RedBear's take is that Hunstman has made an excellent advertisement and he is a pretty good rider. 

I very much like his father, Jon Huntsman Sr.  If Jr. has as much moxie and conservative principles as Sr., he would be a great candidate.  But, I have a few reservations.  I am starting to feel like he is somewhat of a RINO and a big government eco-nut.  He certainly bears watching to see which way he goes.  The cautions in the note are well spoken.  If Don Amador becomes a supporter, then that is a pretty good sign, since he is part of the soul of the Blue Ribbon Coalition.

Back-country motorcycling is, for me, one of those bellwether, canary-in-the-coal mine types of issues.  Motorized Public lands access is critical for folks who are getting older, but who still want to enjoy the wonders of a Utah desert.  Just like 2^nd Amendment freedoms, if a candidate cannot actively support these fundamentals, which should not be party-line divisible, then I cannot support him/her.

I think I will join the Trail Party and renew my Blue Ribbon Coalition membership.  Maybe PAPA too, since I think I’ve ridden some of the areas they want to close.  This latest obsession of the bureaucrats and eco-nuts with turning non-Wilderness back into Wilderness by just changing the name is getting out of hand.