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SALT LAKE CITY — Former Utah governor and presidential candidate Jon Huntsman says distractions are hurting Mitt Romney's bid for the White House, and Governor Mitt Romney needs to act.
During a break from an event celebrating Utah's economy at an Economic Development Corporation Utah luncheon, Huntsman told KSL that President Barack Obama has received the greatest political gift by not being forced to talk about the issues.
"(Romney) can rise above it by seizing the initiative on the message," Huntsman said.
Huntsman will make an address tonight at Equality Utah's Allies Dinner, a fundraiser to advocate gay rights, where he will pitch unity in front of the group devoted to gay rights.
"Tonight, everyone is going to talk about unity at a time when people are talking about division," Huntsman said. "And when Super PACs are supporting divide and conquer messages, it will be a discussion about unity and I think that's important."
(Romney) can rise above it by seizing the initiative on the message.
–- Gov. Jon Huntsman Junior
When Huntsman publicly supported same-sex civil unions three years ago, he says he did it in the name of human rights — part of the responsibility of running for public office, he feels.
"Fairness under the law was an American value," he said. "I got hit for it, and I got hit pretty hard, but that's OK."
"Give people dignity and respect and fairness," Huntsman said. "And I think that's what we tried to do; that's what we are, that's what we truly believe, so tonight is a special night."
It's clear Huntsman still has a love for politics — he has strong feelings about the race for president and what he calls the distractions that have hurt Mitt Romney — and benefited Barack Obama.
And for Romney to recover, Huntsman says he can rise above the fray.
"By hammering home with clarity and sincerity with laser like focus on jobs, the economy, and here's how we're going to get there," Huntsman said.
