Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz responded Monday morning to the news that potential presidential candidate Jon Huntsman would likely skip the Iowa caucuses because of his opposition to ethanol subsidies.
Schultz said the excuse has as much credibility as “the dog ate my homework.”
“It is apparent that Mr. Huntsman is in need of a lesson in Iowa politics,” he added. “We are not single-issue voters.”
Ethanol subsidies have historically been a make-or-break issue in the state of Iowa. So far, the Republican field is split on the issue. Tim Pawlenty and now, Jon Huntsman have come out against the subsidies. Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, however, are publicly supporting it.
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In his statement, Schultz went on to blast Huntsman’s record on cap and trade, accepting stimulus money as Governor of Utah, and distancing himself from his Mormon faith.
“Is Jon Huntsman not coming to Iowa because he opposes ethanol subsidies or because he is afraid to explain his positions on other issues?” said Schultz. “If Mr. Huntsman refuses to compete in a bellwether state like Iowa, he is not ready for the big dance.”