Herbert Emphasizes Conservative Principles in Convention Speech

At the GOP State Convention on Saturday, Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert praised Gov. Jon Huntsman, the man he will soon replace, and said all Utahns should be proud of Huntsman's appointment as ambassador to China. Herbert said he is often asked what will be different in a Herbert administration. He said he isn't concentrating on the differences, and he added that he will continue Huntsman's focus on economic development and job creation as his top priority.

But then Herbert proceeded to give a speech that, at least in tone, was quite different than what Huntsman would deliver. Herbert emphasized conservative principles and promoted traditional energy development, including nuclear energy. He said his governance will be based on Republican principles as outlined in the party platform. Under his leadership, he said, the state will live within its means and empower the private sector. He said too often government is the problem, not the solution.

Herbert also pledged to keep taxes low. "It's not that taxes are too low," he said, "but that spending is too high." Individual liberty must be coupled with individual responsibility, he said. Herbert emphasized that the family is fundamental to society and must be protected. Development of natural resources is not incompatible with protecting the environment. It was a traditional conservative speech delivered to a conservative audience.