Seems like Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman can't keep his name out of the papers these days.

New York Times columnist Frank Rich dropped Huntsman's name on Sunday, praising him for endorsing same-sex civil unions - and noting that such a stance has not hurt the governor's popularity in the reddest of red states.

Rich concludes that Huntsman's altogether agreeable stance, at odds with the loonier factions of his Republican Party, may eventually save the G.O.P. - and be good for the nation:

As marital equality haltingly but inexorably spreads state by state for gay Americans in the years to come, Utah will hardly be in the lead to follow Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. But the fact that it too is taking its first steps down that road is extraordinary. It is justice, not a storm, that is gathering. Only those who have spread the poisons of bigotry and fear have any reason to be afraid.

Labels: Jon Huntsman