Feb. 18, 2015, 4:19 a.m.
Former Gov. Jon Huntsman (R) said he will not challenge Sen. Mike Lee (R) in 2016, after CNN’s John King garnered speculation about the potential matchup. Huntsman, a 2012 presidential candidate, said he’s been approached to run against the tea-party senator.
“Bottom line, not likely,” Huntsman said in a short email to the Salt Lake Tribune. “Maybe next time!!” he added.
His father, Jon Huntsman Sr., has been a vocal opponent of Lee, and recently calling the senator “an embarrassment to the State of Utah.” (Salt Lake Tribune)
Huntsman also sent a text message to the Deseret News that said he won’t “run out another run, but not against Mike,” adding that they “don’t always agree “¦ but he’s very capable.” (Deseret News)