Texas Governor Rick Perry says he’s going to miss having rival Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman, his wife and his three daughters on the campaign trail. Mr. Huntsman announced Monday that he would be suspending his campaign and he endorsed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
As for his family, the former Utah governor said they are stepping down with a greater appreciation for American democracy.
“The Huntsman girls,” that Mr. Perry was referring to are Liddy, Abby and Mary Anne Huntsman.
All three are in their mid 20s and best known by their Twitter handle, the @Jon2012girls. Mr. Huntsman’s daughters were quite active on Twitter and on the campaign trail advocating their father for the Republican nomination.
As were children of other candidates, such as Mr. Romney’s sons or Texas congressman Ron Paul’s son U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY.), Mr. Huntsman’s daughters were featured as guests on the major news networks several times throughout Mr. Huntsman’s campaign.
The Huntsman girls and the children of other candidates provide a refreshing reminder to the American public that the candidates themselves are normal people with families. Often in interviews their children’s stories about them behind the scenes provide a real insight to the character and personality of the candidates.
It is surprising that Mr. Huntsman chose to endorse Mr. Romney, considering the small jab that Mr. Huntsman threw at the Bain Capital co-founder during a recent presidential debate. After Mr. Romney criticized him for serving as the U.S. Ambassador to China under the Obama administration, Mr. Huntsman referred to the fact that his only two sons were serving in the Navy, while none of Mr. Romney’s five sons had ever served in any branch of defense.
Although Mr. Huntsman and Mr. Perry seem to be candidates from extremely different backgrounds and of a much different political makeup, the Texas Republican told Politico that the two candidates and their families and siblings had become close friends.
“I was hoping I’d get the Huntsman girls. We love the Huntsman girls, our kids get along well, and Mary Kaye and Anita are best friends. Jon’s a dear friend too, and we’ve had a wonderful time getting to know the candidates,” said Mr. Perry Monday.
Liddy, Abby and Mary Anne Huntsman left their final farewell message for Mr. Perry and their 24,193 followers on their Twitter account Monday.
“Many flames burn out in politics, our Dad’s has just been ignited. What an incredible journey for our family. Thanks for all the support!” tweeted @Jon2012girls Monday.
