In a crowded field of candidates, one stands apart from the rest with his experience, leadership and results. That candidate is former governor of Utah, Jon Huntsman. The United States requires a leader that has the necessary foreign policy experience to meet the challenges presented by the 21st century. As the former U.S. ambassador to Singapore, and more recently China, Gov. Huntsman brings a depth of knowledge that no candidate can match. His commitment to ensure that the United States does not continue nation-building but rather focus on rebuilding America’s core at home makes him unique.

During his time as governor, Huntsman was able to pass the largest tax cut in Utah’s history. He also was able to implement market-based health care reform that did not require an individual mandate. Huntsman chose to cut government waste and pushed for the government to become more efficient. As a result, Utah was the number one state in the nation when it came to job creation during his tenure as governor. If elected, Huntsman would seek to end the practice of crony capitalism by eliminating ‘too big to fail.’ He is also the only candidate to have his economic plan endorsed by the Wall Street Journal. His plan is to overhaul the cumbersome tax system by reducing the corporate tax from 35 to 25 percent, and eliminating the capital gains and dividends tax. He would seek to repeal cumbersome regulations such as Obamacare and Dodd/Frank. Additionally, Huntsman would seek to drastically reign in the Environmental Protection Agency, which has killed many jobs in the energy sector.

Huntsman’s conservative record is perhaps one of the best kept secrets of the race. He has always been consistently pro-life and pro-gun. He does differ from some of the contenders in his belief in civil unions for homosexual couples and in his belief that man contributes to global warming. However, he does not believe that the United States should use cap and trade policies which would only stifle economic growth, instead favoring tax incentives for businesses to become more environmentally friendly. Unlike other candidates, Huntsman stands on his principles, even if another position is more politically expedient.

Republicans need a candidate that can bring people from all walks of life together. Many of the candidates can talk about doing this, but only one of them has actually done it. Huntsman has shown in the debates that his depth of knowledge on the issues is simply unparalleled in the Republican field. He should be the one to lead the GOP against President Obama in 2012.