Jon Huntsman: A Very Presidential Resume

Jon Huntsman's decision to resign from his position as U.S. Ambassador to China has led some to speculate that he may be planning to run for president in 2012. A quick look at his bio reveals that he might just have what it takes to win.

Huntsman, a Republican, was twice elected governor of Utah, winning a record 78 percent of the vote in 2008. Starting with Jimmy Carter, four of the nation's last six presidents served as governor at some point in their careers, including Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.

But has a diplomat ever been elected President of the United States? The answer is yes. George H. W. Bush was once the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. He also served as Chief of the Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China. John Adams served as a diplomat in France and Holland during the Revolutionary War. Back in the day, serving as Secretary of State was considered a rite of passage for would be presidential candidates.

A January poll of Utah voters showed Huntsman trailing Mitt Romney in a hypothetical 2012 matchup. Only 16 percent of Utahns surveyed said that they'd back their own former governor. 65 percent said they preferred Romney, who is generally viewed as the early frontrunner. It is important to note that this poll was conducted before Hunstman announced his resignation plan.