Huntsman offers his resignation

A White House aide confirms to First Read that U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman -- the former governor of Utah -- has sent a letter to President Obama, informing him that he will resign his post.

It is now widely expected that Huntsman, a Republican, will consider running for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination.

Politico reports that Huntsman says in the letter he wants to return to the United States by May. More from Politico: "The letter thanks Obama for the opportunity to serve the country and praises the U.S. embassy staff in Beijing."