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By Karoun Demirjian (contact) 
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 | 12:40 p.m.
Jon Huntsman
Mitt Romney
Harry Reid might be the Silver State’s most prominent Mormon, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to see a Mormon president just yet -- considering the current options.
But if he had to choose between his fellow church members who are running — Republicans Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman — he’s firmly behind Huntsman, who officially launched his campaign this morning.
“In that race, if I had a choice, I would favor Huntsman over Romney,” Reid told reporters Tuesday afternoon. “But I don’t have a choice in that race.”
As a Democrat, Reid can’t cast a vote in the race. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t political points to be gained by giving Huntsman, the former Utah governor and U.S. ambassador to China, a sidelong endorsement that may resonate with the Mormons at home.
Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, has been a favorite in Nevada in the past, on the strength and turnout of the Mormon vote. And as the only candidate who kept a skeleton operation in place in Nevada between presidential cycles, he’s poised to win the state again in the February caucuses.
But this is the first year that Nevada’s delegates are not being awarded on a winner-take-all basis, meaning that if Huntsman can make a strong showing, he can split valuable delegates away from Romney.
When asked to explain his preference though, Reid steered clear of critiques that could count as political calculations, and instead delivered a scathing review of Romney’s character.
“The front-runner in the Republican race now, here’s a man who doesn’t know who he is,” Reid said. “He was for gay marriage when he was governor, now he’s against it. He was for abortion when he was governor, now he’s against it. Oh, health care: We modeled our (federal health care reform) bill to be to a large degree about what he did in Massachusetts. Now he’s trying to run from that.
“If someone doesn’t know who they are, they shouldn’t be president of the United States,” Reid said.
I don't think that I realy care what dirty harry thinks of anyone. If anything its a slam against Hunstman.
Several Democrats are speaking up in favor of Huntsman, hoping that people will think as Justin does when the primaries come around.
Make no mistake, Harry fears Romney and would rather not see him in a general election versus Obama.
This is why he seems to favor Huntsman - because Huntsman has no chance of getting the republican nomination and no chance of beating Obama.
Truth be told Huntsman is twice the candidate Romney is, and the campaign will bare that out.
Unfortunately, the primary system has become such an absurd process that it really doesn't matter who the better candidate is.
He's a Democrat. Who cares who he prefers. Seriously, this is news?
"the campaign will bare that out."
You, sir, are not very bright. I could see your comment coming down the pipe. LOL - what a tard.
I'd rather prefer Daffy Duck accept the Republican Party's nomination as their candidate for the Presidency in 2012. Bugs Bunny as Vice President.
They'd make more sense than any of those yahoos out there right now.
"YORE DETHPICKABULL!"
I believe the whole Huntsman deal is to split the moderate vote to ensure that Romney does not win.
Huntsman really has no chance to win the nomination.
Obama wants to run against a Conservative.
Be careful for what you wish for.
Thanks Going Bust for the kind comments and perspective. I admit I'm not that bright, and I admit I mispelled 'bare' (darn Android auto-text).
I'm just glad there are bright people like you in this world to remind us loons how not smart we really aren't.
Romney is the anti-Christ who would destroy America, Huntsman won't be nominated becasue Rush Limbow hates him.
Huntsman is a RINO. No surprise.
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Reid sees Romney as the stronger candidate and a bigger threat to Obama than Huntsman so he is trying to hurt Romney by pushing support from independents to Huntsman.
Romney has big name recognition and a past record of success in Nevada when Huntsman is a veritable unknown, hence the logical choice of Huntsman from a partisan political point of reference.
Another thoroughly transparent political move by Reid to protect his interests with no regard for his constituents.
Dingy Harry, living at the Ritz in DC, came to long enough to utter another stupid remark. He prefers an Obama supporter over a real Republican. Go figure! Dingy is obviously still feeling the effects of his trip and fall at the Ritz in DC. Let's see how much illegal PAC money he throws Huntsman's way! Dingy Harry, the man Nevaduh can't do without! What a joke, thank you, bought and paid for Nevaduh voters!
Sen. Reid hasn't the President had some changes on mind recently? What about closing Gitmo, civilian trails for terrorists, continuing the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and even starting one in Libya?
I would favor Charlie Rangel over John Edwards. But then both have accounting problems.
Romney would prefer that the Dims pass a budget after two years.