ICYMI: Young Conservatives For The Freedom To Marry Group Grows

Washington, DC - Today Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry announced a new campaign manager and 20 new members of its leadership committee, including three of former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman's daughters, seasoned veterans of Republican presidential and Senate campaigns, television commentators, authors, and communications strategists. The new members will be welcomed by current members Meghan McCain, Margaret Hoover, and more at a reception in Washington, DC, on March 18.

Tyler Deaton is the new Campaign Manager of Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry. Deaton, a managing director of b-fresh consulting llc, works as a lobbyist and political consultant in Manchester, New Hampshire. In 2011-2012, Deaton led the successful legislative effort to protect the freedom to marry in New Hampshire, marking the first time that a majority of Republicans voted in favor of the freedom to marry.

"The rapid growth of Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry reflects the increasing number of Republicans, libertarians, and right-of-center Americans who are completing their own journeys on marriage for same-sex couples," Deaton said. "When conservatives learn why marriage matters to gay people, they realize that they share the same values as anyone else: committing themselves to each other, making a lifetime vow of love, and protecting their families. The freedom to marry is not a Democratic or Republican value; it's an American value that we all can and should support."

New leadership members include Abby, Liddy, and Mary Anne Huntsman, who are daughters of former Utah Governor and U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman. Jon Huntsman announced his support for the freedom to marry in February, while the women have been long-term supporters of marriage. Some of the other notable names include:

• S.E. Cupp, conservative author, MSNBC host, columnist at the New York Daily News and contributing editor at Townhall Magazine
• Liz Mair, founder and president of Mair Strategies LLC and the online communications director for the 2008 Republican National Committee
• Eduardo J. Lopez-Reyes, national vice chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus
• Will Cain, a media entrepreneur, small business owner and television commentator
• Nathan Parsons, Director of Operations for Allegiance Strategies
• Shannon Kiely-Heider, a government relations director for Cummins, Inc.
• James Owens, president of Oregon Log Cabin Republicans

A complete list of the new leadership members with their pictures and biographies can be found here: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/pages/young-conservatives-leadership-committee.

Meghan McCain, Margaret Hoover, Abby Huntsman, Liddy Huntsman, and Mary Anne Huntsman are confirmed to join more than 15 other Young Conservatives at a reception on Monday, March 18, from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Lincoln Restaurant in Washington, DC. Journalists interested in attending can RSVP to angela@freedomtomarry.org.

"I am thrilled to be part of such a diverse, talented group of conservatives who believe in doing the right thing," said Abby Huntsman, host and producer for HuffPo Live and political commentator. "Freedom means freedom for everyone, and this includes the freedom to marry the person you love. Marriage for same-sex couples strengthens families and strengthens America, and it's time for conservatives to help make it a reality."

Roughly half of the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry leadership committee members live in the Washington, DC, metro area, while the other half hail from various states including New York and New Hampshire, which have the freedom to marry; Illinois, Minnesota, and Oregon, which are working to win the freedom to marry; and Utah, which has no relationship recognition for same-sex couples. About half are male and half female, while half are straight and half are gay. They range in age from 20 to 40 years old. About 80% identify as Republican, while others identify as independent, libertarian, or otherwise conservative. Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry launched in July 2012.

Huntsman for President - Gov. Ridge Responds to Chris Christie ’s Shameful Attack on Jon Huntsman ’s Service to America

Manchester, NH – Governor Tom Ridge released the following statement in response to Governor Christie’s attacks this evening on Jon Huntsman’s service as Ambassador to China:

"Shame on Governor Christie for repeating Mitt Romney's divisive line of attack on Governor Huntsman's decision to put country before politics.

"The responsibility to represent our country in the most important diplomatic position of the 21st century should be applauded -- not politicized.

"This type of divisive attack is exactly what the country is sick and tired of. We deserve better.

"Having served two different presidents as a soldier and a cabinet secretary, I understand firsthand the value of service to one's country, and that is just one of the many reasons I am proud to support Governor Huntsman."

Gov. Tom Ridge served as our nation’s first Secretary of Homeland Security. He was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania and served 12 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Gov. Ridge also served as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Newsmax - Huntsman: 'We Have to Show Big' in New Hampshire

Breaking from Newsmax.com

Huntsman: 'We Have to Show Big' in New Hampshire

Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman says front-runner Mitt Romney does not instill trust in American voters because of the former Massachusetts governor’s constantly changing views.

“You run for the Senate as a liberal, you run for governor as a moderate, you run for president as a conservative,” Huntsman told CNN “State of the Union” host Candy Crowley this morning in an interview that was because Huntsman was participating in a live televised candidates debate. “Where are you at the end of the day? That’s a legitimate question that people have.”

The former Utah governor and ambassador to China, who announced his campaign in June, said he will deliver consistency.

“I’ve always been a constant Republican,” Huntsman said. “I’m comfortable that I’m at the center of gravity for the Republican Party."

He acknowledged that “we have to show big” in the New Hampshire primary Tuesday to prove he is the real deal.

“I feel the energy,” he said. “There’s something on the ground that tells me that all of the work we’ve done . . . is going to pay off in the end, and we’re going to prove the point, Candy, that grass-roots politics still matters in a state like New Hampshire.”

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Huntsman Demonstrates to NH Voters He's the Leader They Can Trust

Manchester – After tonight’s ABC/WMUR debate, Huntsman campaign manager Matt David issued the following statement:

“Just hours after a new poll showed our campaign surging into second place, Gov. Huntsman demonstrated to the American people that he is the consistent conservative with the vision, experience and record to defeat Barack Obama, rebuild our economy, and restore trust in our government.

“Gov. Huntsman spoke truthfully to the American people, and distinguished himself on his support of civil unions, bringing our troops home from Afghanistan, avoiding a debilitating trade war with China, and overhauling our tax code with his embrace of Simpson-Bowles style reform.

“While his opponents are either Washington creatures or Wall Street insiders, Jon Huntsman has the independence and bold reforms necessary to take on the establishment and defeat the status quo. His message of overhauling the tax code to end crony capitalism, protecting taxpayers from bailouts by breaking up Too-Big-To-Fail banks, and ending the culture of corruption in Congress is continuing to resonate with voters in New Hampshire and around the nation.”

Huntsman for President - Announcing Huntsman Election Night Party and "Restoring Trust" Tour Details - Jan. 7 - Jan. 10

Manchester – Jon Huntsman for President today announced the additional details of Governor Huntsman's "Restoring Trust" tour in New Hampshire continuing through January 10th.

The Election Night Party will be held at The Black Brimmer in Manchester, NH on January 10th. Media can gain access to the Brimmer beginning at 6PM.  Please RSVP to PrimaryNight@HuntsmanHQ.com.

Jon Huntsman Election Night Party
The Black Brimmer
1087 Elm St
Manchester, New Hampshire

Additional details for Saturday, January 7th through Sunday, January 8th are listed below. Events for the final two days will be announced shortly.

Saturday, January 7th:

     8:15 AM - Visits Littleton Diner
                    170 West Main Street
                    Littleton, NH
                   

     9:00 AM – Holds Town Hall in Haverhill
                     Horse Meadow Senior Center
                     91 Horse Meadow Road
                     North Haverhill, NH

   11:30 am Visits Main Street Station Diner 
                     105 Main Street
                      Plymouth, NH
                     

    12:45 PM – Visits Puritan Backroom
                     245 Hooksett Road
                     Manchester, NH
                               

     1:15 PM – Visits Jon Huntsman HQ
                     1850 Elm St
                     Manchester, NH
                   

     9:00 PM – Participates in WMUR/ABC Presidential Debate
                     Saint Anselm College - Dana Center
                     100 Saint Anselm Drive
                     Manchester, NH

Sunday, January 8th:

     9:00 AM – Participates in "Meet the Press" / Facebook Presidential Debate
                     Capitol Center for the Arts
                     44 South Main Street
                     Concord, NH

     1:15 PM – Visits Bean Towne Coffee House and Cafe
                     201 Route 111
                     Hampstead, NH
                   

     5:00 PM – Speaks at House Party Hosted by Jason and Heidi Cole
                     160 Hitching Post Lane
                     Bedford, NH

     7:00 PM – Holds Town Hall in Keene
                     Keene State College - Student Center
                     Maybel Brown Room
                     229 Main Street
                     Keene, NH

Monday, January 9th - Tuesday, January 10th:

Governor Huntsman will be in New Hampshire continuing his "Restoring Trust" tour. Additional details to be announced in the coming days.