Huntsman sees debt risk and reward

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman said the debt crisis poses a unique chance to gain control of federal spending

"We have, I think, an historic opportunity to do a few things," he said during a campaign stop Friday in Salt Lake City. "One is cut in a way that is commensurate with the increase that is being asked for, and, number two is to find a pathway forward toward a balanced budget amendment."

But there is risk, Huntsman said, if the credit-rating agencies decide to drop the nation's bond rating. "The nation has been Triple-A rated since 1917. This is a big deal if we're downgraded by these ratings agencies."

Robert Gehrke —

Huntsman sees debt risk and reward

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman said the debt crisis poses a unique chance to gain control of federal spending.

"We have, I think, an historic opportunity to do a few things," he said during a campaign stop Friday in Salt Lake City. "One is cut in a way that is commensurate with the increase that is being asked for, and, number two is to find a pathway forward toward a balanced budget amendment."

But there is risk, Huntsman said, if the credit-rating agencies decide to drop the nation's bond rating. "The nation has been Triple-A rated since 1917. This is a big deal if we're downgraded by these ratings agencies."

- Robert Gehrke