Huntsman cites scheduling conflicts in no-show for gay award

Five major gay groups plan to honor Jon Huntsman this weekend at Utah's Pride Festival, but the Gov. won't be there to accept the 2009 Pete Suazo Political Action Award.

His spokewsoman's response is telling, citing scheduling concerns, and strenuously contending his absence isn't anything beyond that.

The Deseret News:

"I don't believe he's going to be able to participate," Huntsman spokeswoman Lisa Roskelley said, blaming a scheduling conflict. She dismissed any suggestion he was reluctant to be recognized publicly for his stand on gay rights.

"He's certainly not shy," Roskelley said. "It's just that his schedule is such that he's unable to participate in every event that he's asked to."

Can you imagine Jon Huntsman on a float with a boa around his neck? Iowa would probably be out.