Tom Ridge to endorse GOP contender Jon Huntsman: report
Republican Jon Huntsman walks with his wife Mary Kaye and daughter on his way to a press conference to announce his bid for the presidency.
Tom Ridge, the former Homeland Security secretary, will endorse Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman on Friday in New Hampshire, according to a report.
The New Hampshire Union Leader reports that Ridge, former governor of Pennsylvania and the first person to head the Department of Homeland Security, is expected to announce his support of Huntsman during an event at St. Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hamshire.
Ridge is endorsing Huntsman because of the presidential hopeful's international experience and his time spent in both the public and private sectors, CNN reports.
Huntsman, 51, a former Utah governor, most recently served as ambassador to China. He has also worked for his family's chemical company.
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Ridge, in a statement provided by the Huntsman campaign, described Huntsman as "a serious, insightful leader," the Union Leader said.
Ridge told the newspaper that Huntsman is "uniquely qualified to lead America to a more secure, prosperous and competitive future. He has the experience we need to rebuild our nation's economic foundation and reduce our crushing debt."
“I know Jon to be a serious, insightful leader who will bring together people from across the political spectrum to solve the many challenges we face, both at home and around the world," Ridge said, according to the Union Leader.
Ridge, who was Pennsylvania governor during the 9/11 attacks, supported John McCain in the 2008 presidential cycle, CNN reports.
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