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.

Governor Tom Ridge Endorses Jon Huntsman for President

Orlando – Governor Tom Ridge today endorsed Jon Huntsman for President at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire. Governor Ridge is the former Governor of Pennsylvania and our nation’s first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"Governor Huntsman is the only candidate with demonstrated success at the state, national and international levels," said Ridge. "Jon has a proven record in creating jobs, strengthening America's competitiveness and advancing our interests in a global economy. His significant experience and statesmanship already signal ten times over that he is ready to take on the complex challenges facing the country and meet the demands of America's leadership with the rest of the world.  I am proud to endorse Governor Jon Huntsman to be the next President of the United States."

"I am humbled to gain the support of one of our nation's most respected public servants,” said Governor Huntsman. “As a businessman, congressman, and twice-elected Republican governor, Tom has been on the front lines of some of the most important issues facing our nation and I’m proud to have the support of such an experienced voice. As our nation's first Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom successfully mobilized our government’s efforts to protect our families and loved ones from danger. I look forward to working with him to spread our message of serious, bold solutions across the country.”

Tom Ridge is president and CEO of the international consulting firm Ridge Global, headquartered in Washington, DC. He served as Assistant to the President for Homeland Security from October 2001 through December 2002 and as the nation’s first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from January 2003 through January 2005.  Previously, he was Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 1995 through October 2001 and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 through 1995.

A Vietnam combat veteran, Governor Ridge works with multiple organizations to assist our nation’s veterans, serves as chairman of the National Organization on Disability and co-chairs the Flight 93 National Memorial. He holds a B.A. from Harvard University and J.D. from Penn State University's Dickinson School of Law.

Governor Ridge’s endorsement follows the recent announcement that Morgan Stanley executive chairman of the board John Mack will serve as chairman of Governor Huntsman’s Business Advisory Council.  Phil Knight, co-founder and chairman of Nike, Inc. was also announced as a member of the Governor’s Business Advisory Council along with Gary Loveman and Tom Bell.