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No, I'm not really endorsing Utah Governor Gary Herbert for president in 2016 – but the way he handled an activist judge's decision to redefine marriage proves Herbert would be better for the job than Chris Christie.

On Friday, an Obama-appointed judge overturned Utah's state constitutional amendment protecting marriage – one passed by two-thirds of state voters in 2004. U.S. District Judge Richard Shelby said the amendment violated the U.S. Constitution – arguing, in effect, that George Washington would have taken a bullet to protect sodomy.

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Governor Herbert has done all he can do to protect sane jurisprudence and the historic, natural definition of the family in his state. He filed two appeals with a federal appeals court and another with Shelby, asking that clerks in the conservative and religious state not be forced to hand out marriage licenses to couples before the case had been fully adjudicated. “Utahns deserve a fair and complete judicial process,” he said.

He pointed out the novelty of Shelby's ruling and said he would work with Acting Attorney General Brian L. Tarbet “to determine the best course to defend traditional marriage within the borders of Utah.”

He also named a new state Attorney General, Sean Reyes, to head up the state's efforts. (Shelby, who had indicated he would not rule until January 7, sucker punched the state by ruling less than a week before Christmas.)

Compare his resolve with Governor Chris Christie, who is considered a front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination.

In September, Mercer County Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson ruled that the state had to legally recognize same-sex “marriage.” After a brief appeal, Christie let a county Superior Court judge redefine marriage in the Garden State by judicial fiat. Pro-family leaders said Chris Christie's betrayal of the institution of marriage represented “a disqualifying failure.”

If the outspoken governor is out, why not consider Herbert instead? He has acted like a profile in courage by comparison.

He has proven dedicated and enthusiastic leadership on behalf of the family, even when it was clear the odds were against him. Like Jimmy Carter in the 1980 Democratic primaries against another rotund Northeasterner, he could say, “I never panicked in a crisis.” Unlike Christie, Herbert did not bail out when the pro-family movement needed him. All he needs is a running mate with the same courage. Hmm….

Gary Herbert/Phil Robertson 2016!

Cross-posted at TheRightsWriter.com.