From the grounds of the Sri Ganesha Temple...

Gov. Jon Huntsman, facing re-election, is working today to nail down Utah's pivotal Hindu vote. Jon has played all the cards shrewdly: He eats their food, understands their cultural sensitivities, attends their festivals and, oh yeah, he adopted an Indian baby. Brilliant.

Seriously, Huntsman appears as delighted as the Hindus are to have him at the temple day celebration at the Sri Ganesha Temple in South Jordan. It was daughter Asha Bharati's first visit to the temple and she was transfixed by the ceremonies and dancing. Her older sister, Gracie Mei, who was adopted from China, was there, too. (Another voting block locked in.)

When a proud Hindu man introduced his teen-aged son to the governor, Huntsman gestured to the procession going around the temple and told the kid:

Never forget your traditions.

The dazzled youngster stammered, "I won't."

Huntsman gripped the startled teen's hand and repeated:

Never forget your traditions — promise me.

Of course Huntsman had another reason for the visit — covering his spiritual bases. Ganesha, who brings good luck, prosperity and removes obstacles, is a god any politician wants in his corner.