We Wish You Well Ambassador

A man who has become one of the state's most popular political figures ever, Jon Huntsman Jr., officially ended his 4 1/2 years as Utah's chief executive Tuesday morning, signing his resignation during a brief ceremony held in the Capitol's Gold Room. Huntsman thanked family, friends and the host of current and past state political figures gathered for the moment, making special note of his relationship with his father.

The signing came just minutes before the start of the inauguration of former Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert as the 17th governor of Utah. Immediately after affixing his signature to his exit document, Huntsman was sworn in as the new U.S. Ambassador to China by his formal general counsel and current Utah District Court Judge Michele Christiansen.

The ceremony concludes a months long waiting game following the announcement of Huntsman's appointment to the position by President Barack Obama in May. Huntsman appeared before the U.S. Senate Foreign Affairs Committee in July, part of the normal vetting process for incoming ambassadors, and was approved by the full Senate on a unanimous consent vote last week. Governor Huntsman will be missed as he is not just popular but extremely able. China will have a remarkable ambassador who will, I am sure, get many necessary things done.