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SALT LAKE CITY -- A U.S. Senate panel has endorsed Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman as U.S. ambassador to China.
President Barack Obama's nomination now goes to the full Senate for a vote. It was unclear when that would happen.
Huntsman is a former ambassador to Singapore, has led trade missions to China and has two adopted daughters, one from China and one from India.
In testimony last month, Huntsman promised to pursue human rights issues and to encourage China to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He also said he was encouraged by the recent relaxation in tensions between the Chinese government and Taiwan.
Related:
Huntsman counsel not joining new administration
Gov. Jon Huntsman's legal counsel will not be joining the new administration when Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert takes office.Meanwhile, the Deseret News reports Huntsman's successor, Gary Herbert, has come to a decision on who will be his lieutenant governor. His transition director, Jason Perry, says Herbert is working out the final details. An announcement is expected Wednesday morning.
Herbert is believed to have been deciding from a short list of four candidates for the job. The two getting the most publicity are State Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights, and Utah Transportation Commission Chairman Stuart Adams.
Herbert's inauguration is expected to take place next Monday or Tuesday.
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Story compiled with information from Andrew Adams and The Associated Press.
