Huntsman 3rd Party Run?

Jon Huntsman is still stewing over being dis-invited to a Republican Florida fundraiser back in March.


Why was he dis-invited? As if you didn't know. 


Probably because he called for the existence of a 3rd party. GOP officials didn't take kindly to that, and despite Huntsman's public endorsement of Romney, essentially cut him loose. 


Huntsman upped the rhetoric yesterday, by declaring "This is what they do in China on party matters if you talk off script."



Huntsman also declared that Reagan could not get the GOP Presidential Nomination in today's political climate.


Huntsman has a right to be upset- he was arguably the most qualified and pristine candidate that the GOP had to offer, but he received little support. Although, inversely, one has to give credit to Romney, loser in 2008, for garnering a huge amount of support 4 years later. That in itself is a skill which although trumps ideology and history, also trumps failure. 


I wonder if Huntsman is considering a 3rd party run? Americans Elect, the somewhat ballyhooed 3rd party group that has officially registered in each state, is looking for a legitimate candidate to front. So far, their biggest name is Buddy Roemer. 


*crickets* 


Exactly. 


Someone like Huntsman would be a fair candidate- respected on both sides, intelligent, and a moderate on most political positions. He could nab the center and poach plenty from both the right and left. (He's the only candidate other than Ron Paul to call for bringing the troops home immediately). 


Huntsman has to consider 2016. He thinks that he can do what Romney just did- make a name for himself in 2008, and win in 2012. The problem for Huntsman is that the field in 2016 is crowded with skilled candidates- unlike this years circus show. 


Once Huntsman realizes he has no shot in 2016, he might consider a 3rd party run for 2012. Especially if the GOP refuses to help him. Also, Huntsman has had campaign debt. It's probably fair to say that he's been frustrated at the lack of help from both the GOP and perhaps the Romney campaign for helping to retire his debt.


These issues might propel him to decide to run as a 3rd party, and I wouldn't blame him.