WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 28, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The full Senate has confirmed former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., as U.S. ambassador to Russia.
Daughter Abby Huntsman, an anchor on the Fox News Channel, had no doubts.
“No surprise my dad made it through senate confirmation unanimously tonight,” she wrote on Twitter and Instagram. “Now my parents are off to Russia, such a bittersweet feeling. As much as I selfishly want them to stay on U.S. soil, there is truly no one better to step in and take charge of our most challenging relationship. The country is lucky to have him and I’m even more lucky to call him my dad and best friend.”
This will be the third diplomatic assignment for Huntsman, who also served in China and Singapore. It comes at a time when relations between the United States and Russia are strained due to the investigation into election tampering by Russia and Congress’ increasing sanctions against the country.
Huntsman, 57, has said there is “no question” that Russia tried to interfere with last year’s presidential election. He also has said that he understands the vital importance of diplomacy.
“As a nuclear superpower and permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, we have no choice but to deal with Russia on a range of issues touching on global stability and security,” Huntsman said in a recent speech.
After the Senate’s approval, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch released a statement:
“I congratulate my friend, Jon Huntsman, on his appointment to serve as the next Ambassador to Russia. This particular ambassadorship requires a great deal of poise, intellect and experience, and I have no doubt that Jon is just the man for the job.”
