2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Mike Huckabee At The Florida Republican Debate

Mike Huckabee is 'Clear Winner' of Florida Republican Debate

Orlando, FL – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee scored big points tonight during the first-in-Florida Republican Presidential debate in Orlando – proving that he is the "Ronald Reagan conservative" the party is looking for.

Invoking the spirit of Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment, Huckabee rejected the idea of attacking his fellow Republicans in the debate.  "I'm not interested in fighting these guys – I want to fight for the American people," Huckabee said.

"For the first time in nine debates, I'll be more than happy to sit back and let them fight and shed each other's blood, while I run for president," he said.

"There are some real issues out there we need to be fighting for.  One of them is the sanctity of human life – it's one of the core issues of our humanity and our civilization.  When our founding fathers put their signatures on the Declaration of Independence, they said we have certain inalienable rights given us by our creator – and among these, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – one of them being life – and I still believe that."

When asked about health care, Huckabee's signature issue – he said he would allow individuals to control their health care and the focus would be on prevention. "We don't have a health care system in this country, we have health care maze," Huckabee said.  "We don't have a health care crisis – we have a health crisis."

"When 80 percent of the two trillion dollars we spend on health care goes to chronic diseases, if we don't focus on prevention, we'll never catch up." Huckabee said.

"The best way to deal with health care is not to turn it over to the government or entirely to the private sector, but to turn it over to the individual. I trust me more than I trust health care companies or the government," Huckabee said.

"I just want to remind you of something, when all the old hippies find out they get free drugs, wait to see what that costs us," Huckabee joked.

Huckabee also asserted that the G.O.P. needs to do a better job of reaching out to minorities. "We need to make sure that the G.O.P. is the most inclusive party because our message touches more people and helps more people climb up the next rung."

Huckabee said one subject that is "not funny" is the prospect of Hillary Clinton becoming President of the United States .  Under that scenario, he said, "Taxes go up, health care becomes the domain of the government, spending goes up, and our military loses its morale.  I'm not sure we will have the courage and the will and the resolve to fight the greatest threat this country has faced: Islamo-facism. We've got an enemy that wants to kill every last one of us. We cannot be soft, we must be strong."

"We also must also stop the Law of the Sea Treaty because it gives away our sovereignty," he said.

Huckabee also addressed the issue of the violence on the Turkish border.  "As President, I would do two things: First, I would dispatch the Secretary of State to the area to convince Turkey not to go into Iraq, and second, I would have our military train and equip the Kurds to fight the PKK," he said. 

"We don't have to put our military in harm's way but we also need Turkey to realize that there is nothing to be gained by crossing that border and creating another hostile situation," he said.

Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Files Candidacy Papers In New Hampshire

Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Files Candidacy Papers in New Hampshire

Concord, NH – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee has filed the necessary paperwork to have his name on the New Hampshire presidential primary ballot.  Huckabee signed papers and paid the $1,000 filing fee Thursday at the Secretary of State's Office in Concord, NH.  "I'm excited to take this important step on the road to securing the Republican nomination for president," Huckabee said.  "The people of New Hampshire are a big part of the primary process and I am encouraged at the progress we have made in the Granite State."

Huckabee was accompanied to the Secretary of State's Office by more than 75 supporters, including one of the state's most respected political leaders, Ruth Griffin, who announced her endorsement of the Governor at the filing.

"I have been courted by all the candidates and Mike Huckabee is the only one that presents his vision for the future in a genuine way that lets you know his concerns for the future of our country are the same as my concerns. Mike Huckabee is the only candidate that is talking about the kind of things that are important to life in America like education, health care, energy and conservation," said Griffin.

"It is an incredible honor to have Ruth join my national leadership team and head up my national women's coalition. She is one of the most respected political leaders in New Hampshire and sought after by all the presidential campaigns. I consider myself very fortunate to have her experience, wisdom and counsel as our campaign continues to build momentum," said Huckabee.   

Griffin served as an Excecutive Councilor from 1987-2006 and is the first woman to serve in the House, Senate and Executive Council. She was a two-term Republican National Committeewoman and member of two Constitutional Conventions. She served as a Portsmouth Police Commissioner for 10 years. Griffin currently chairs the Portsmouth Housing Authority and is the Regional Director of the National Foundation for Women Legislators. 

Huckabee continues to gain momentum in the key early states.  In Iowa, a recent Rasmussen Reports poll shows him in a statistical tie with former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson and leading national frontrunner Rudy Giuliani by 6 percent.  Rasmussen Reports, the nation's most accurate polling firm during the 2004 presidential election, indicated Romney attracts 25 percent of likely caucus participants, followed by Thompson at 19 percent and Huckabee at 18 percent, "virtually tied for second."   

Mike Huckabee "Virtually Tied" For Second In Iowa

RASMUSSEN REPORTS POLL:  HUCKABEE "VIRTUALLY TIED" FOR SECOND IN IOWA, CLOSING ON ROMNEY
Former Arkansas Governor Leads National Frontrunner Giuliani, McCain

Little Rock, AR – Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has continued his strong push toward the top of the polls in Iowa, moving into a statistical tie with former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson and leading national frontrunner Rudy Giuliani by 6 percent, according to a poll released today by the Rasmussen Reports. Rasmussen Reports, the nation's most accurate polling firm during the 2004 presidential election, indicated Romney attracts 25 percent of likely caucus participants, followed by Thompson at 19 percent and Huckabee at 18 percent, "virtually tied for second." 
"This poll is just the latest in a series that reflect what we have been seeing across Iowa," Huckabee said.  "We are gaining more support and momentum as each day goes by and it's clear my conservative message is resonating with the people of America."

Huckabee for President National Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman says these numbers are significant for many reasons, including the fact that Romney has spent far more money than other GOP candidates in Iowa.   
"The surge that began with Gov. Huckabee's stunning second-place finish in the Republican Party of Iowa Straw Poll on Aug. 11 continues as the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses approach," Saltsman said.

The Rasmussen Reports Poll notes that the Iowa race remains "very fluid."
"Iowans like Mike Huckabee and respect his stand for traditional values, ethical leadership and real reform," Saltsman said.  "They're going to turn out for him in force on Jan. 3, 2008."

According to the Rasmussen Report, Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is the only other Republican in double digits at 13 percent. Arizona Senator John McCain, once considered by some to be the GOP frontrunner, gets just 6 percent of the vote.  Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (3 percent), rounds out the field with Congressmen Tom Tancredo (2 percent), Ron Paul (2 percent), and Duncan Hunter (1 percent).  Eleven percent (11 percent) are undecided.
A poll summary notes that Romney and Thompson are essentially even among men, but Thompson attracts only 10 percent of the vote from women.  In fact, Romney, Huckabee, and Giuliani all outpoll Thompson for the female vote.  Huckabee leads among evangelical Christians while Romney leads among those with other religious beliefs.

Republican Presidential Debate Reaction: Mike Huckabee

Republican Presidential Debate Reaction: Mike Huckabee

In case you missed yesterday's Republican Presidential debate or haven't had the time to follow the news today, we wanted to be sure you saw some of the commentary regarding Governor Huckabee:

Steven Pearlstein of the Washington Post: "Judged by who can offer a serious approach to economic policy, the hands-down winner in the Republican race so far is Huckabee, who combines intelligence, candor and comfortable familiarity with the issues and a practical approach anchored in solid conservative beliefs."

Amber Arellano of the Detroit News: "Huckabee offered up sensible policy ideas on energy and terrorism. He also scored major points among many of us in the Rustbelt -- and anyone concerned about the downward economic pressure on the Middle Class -- when he pointed out the future need for unionism."

Blogger Bull Dog Pundit from Ankle Biting Pundits: "Mike Huckabee: Another good performance. Like McCain he really taps into the economic anxiety that many people feel, especially in Michigan. I almost wish Huckabee had more money, because I think he could compete with the big boys and give them a run."

Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stone: "That Mike Huckabee hasn’t caught just a little bit of fire is a mystery to me. He’s charming and funny, and always seems reasonable..."

David Brody, CBNNews.com: "Mike Huckabee was good tonight. He struck many populist themes and his trademark humor was on display. What may have been the key moment tonight for him though was his answer on congressional war approval. He made clear that he would be decisive in determining what to do if war was imminent. Huckabee was forceful in his answer."

New Poll Shows Mike Huckabee Gains Momentum in Iowa

New Poll Shows Mike Huckabee Gains Momentum in Iowa
Former AR Governor Places First Among "Committed" Voters; Third Place Overall

Little Rock, AR – Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee today "welcomed news" that a new Des Moines Register poll ranks him No. 1 among registered Republican voters in Iowa who have "made up their mind" in the 2008 presidential election  – and No. 3 among GOP candidates overall.

"This victory is really good news," said Huckabee about the October 7 poll of likely caucus participants. "This poll confirms that the field is wide open – and that my campaign continues to surge among likely voters."

Huckabee scored first among the voters (about one-fourth of those polled) who have made up their mind, with 19 percent, and third place among all potential Republican voters, with 12 percent.  The former Arkansas governor also scored very well among religious conservatives, coming in third with 18 percent.

Huckabee has surged since his strong showing in the Aug. 11 Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll.  Support for the other GOP presidential contenders who were included in a Des Moines Register poll taken last May has essentially flat-lined or eroded.

"Voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina – and all across America – are looking for a strong conservative leader with a consistent message, results-driven record and positive vision for America 's future," said Huckabee.  "This new poll reflects what we're feeling on the ground: that my campaign is on an upward trajectory in Iowa and other key battleground states." 

Mike Huckabee Gains National Traction In New Washington Post/ABC News Poll

Mike Huckabee Gains National Traction in New Washington Post/ABC News Poll
Says Campaign Will Continue to 'Exceed Expectations' With Limited Resources

Little Rock, AR – Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee took eight percent, his best showing to date, in a new national poll of Republican and Republican-leaning voters conducted Sept. 27-30, 2007 by The Washington Post and ABC News, it was announced today. 

The new poll indicates that "the Republican side remains unsettled" with about three months left "before voters in Iowa cast the first votes in the 2008 nomination fight," according to The Washington Post in a news article today.  The Huckabee campaign believes the new poll indicates "continued upward momentum" for the former Arkansas governor.  "This poll has us just where we want to be," said Huckabee, "on an upward trajectory." 

Huckabee said his strong, come-from-behind, second place showing in the August 11th Iowa Straw Poll proved that his campaign can continue to "exceed expectations" with limited resources, as it heads into the fourth quarter.   

"We aren't going to report what the so-called 'first-tier' candidates have raised," said Huckabee.  "But then again, we don't need to raise as much funds because we are frugal.  Our goal is to stay competitive-and we will be." 

The campaign's "victory" in Ames, combined with recent national endorsements – including his ranking as the No. 1 "Values Voter" pick – and a series of powerful debate performances, dozens of national media interviews, and high-profile speaking engagements, show that he is a contender, said Huckabee. 

"Our victory in Ames proves a message that reflects our Party's core values is still the predominant factor in getting elected – even over money, although we'd certainly like to have more," said Huckabee.  Huckabee is now ahead of Sen. McCain in Iowa and nearly tied with former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, according to a Sept. 29 Newsweek poll. 

Since August, the campaign has seen an increase in Web-site hits, online donations, and volunteer support (including more than 250 "bloggers"), and scores of major fundraising opportunities. "The campaign has been flooded with generous offers of support since Ames, including nearly 10,000 new donors," said Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman. 

Saltsman confirmed that the campaign will report just over $1 million raised to the Federal Election Commission on October 15.  "While we'd like to show more dollars in the bank, we've been careful with our resources – and we'll have what we need to stay in the game," he said. 

"The third quarter is typically considered to be the 'dry season,' but we're pleased to show a successful, steady increase in terms of fund-raising that will sustain us," said Saltsman. 

Saltsman noted that the campaign's 24-hour "Vertical Day" – which took place on Sept. 24th and 25th – generated the highest number of Web-site hits to date, and that online donations have been substantial.  "While unfortunately some of those donations won't be reported until the fourth quarter, we're laying a great foundation," he said. 

Huckabee concurred: "We've built this campaign in about 9 months from the ground up. I am pleased with our efforts to date, and I'm deeply appreciative of the hard work and support we've received from people all across the United States who've joined my team.  I look forward to continuing to move forward – in the right direction – in the days and months ahead.

Mike Huckabee Gains National Momentum, Positive Recognition As "Dark Horse Candidate" To Win GOP Nomination

Mike Huckabee Gains National Momentum, Positive Recognition as "Dark Horse Candidate" to Win GOP Nomination

Little Rock, AR – Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee received  praise from politics' 'odd couple' – former President Bill Clinton and former Speaker Newt Gingrich –who said Sunday, in separate interviews, that he is the most likely "dark horse candidate" to win the GOP nomination.

Huckabee, who now ranks fourth in Iowa among likely Republican Caucus-Goers, welcomed the positive comments, saying his 1st place win in the recent "Values Voter" poll – along with other significant developments, has buoyed his chances for victory.

Huckabee is now ahead of Sen. John McCain in Iowa and nearly tied with former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, according to a Sept. 29 Newsweek poll conducted with 1,215 Iowa registered voters by Princeton Survey Research Associates International on Sept. 26-27.

"The Newsweek poll reflects what we've been feeling on the ground for some time: that there is steady, upward momentum for my campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire , and other early primary states," said Huckabee.

Huckabee, who participated in one of Gingrich's 'American Solutions' workshops in New Hampshire on Saturday, said he was pleased by the former Speaker's comments on ABC News' "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" that he is an appealing candidate who would be "instantly viable" if given funds to succeed.

"Obviously we're making a similar pitch to our supporters and donors," said Huckabee. "We've got a winning message.  O ur focus is on the money game."

Former President Clinton, who also appeared on the ABC show, said Huckabee is the only GOP "dark horse that's got any kind of chance" of winning the GOP nomination.  Clinton also said his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY), is the likely Democratic nominee. 

Last month, a NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll showed Huckabee and former Gov. Mitt Romney nearly tied in respective head to head match-ups against Hillary Clinton.   Clinton led Huckabee 50-36 with 6% undecided, while she led Romney 51-38 with 5% undecided.   The poll also gave Huckabee the lowest negative ratings among all Republican candidates for President, boding well in a potential match-up against Clinton . Huckabee said Sen. Clinton's "front-runner" status gives her a natural advantage, which could be overcome "once Republicans rally around their candidate."

Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman agreed, saying that a Huckabee-Clinton match-up would be formidable. "Since the Iowa Straw poll, Gov. Huckabee has been gaining upward momentum in nearly every poll.  Recent results in an American Research Group poll, released last month, show Gov. Huckabee is leading Mitt Romney among Republicans in South Carolina, and leading Fred Thompson in both Iowa and New Hampshire . These trends all indicate one thing: Mike Huckabee is a candidate who has the 'right stuff' to win."

Mike Huckabee to Host First-Ever, 24-Hour "Vertical Day"

MIKE HUCKABEE TO HOST FIRST-EVER, 24-HOUR “VERTICAL DAY” ON MON., SEPT. 24 & TUES., SEPT. 25

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee will host an historic 24-hour online “conversation” with voters called “Vertical Day, starting at 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 24 and ending at 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 25, it was announced today.

The goal of “Vertical Day” is to focus on the issues in order to attract a large wave of potential supporters to the campaign website (www.mikehuckabee.com) over a 24-hour period.   An emphasis will be placed on building new online support, energizing the campaign’s base of existing support, and identifying the people most likely to participate in the first wave of the actual get-out-the-vote efforts on the ground.

Components of Vertical Day include:  blog posts, video clips of Huckabee on the issues and clips of Huckabee answering questions from bloggers.

“The focus of Vertical Day will be a discussion of the most important challenges facing America ,” said Huckabee.  “I'm excited about this opportunity to reach thousands of voters across America – and to build excitement around this discussion of these ideas, the solutions we see possible, and our hopes for America .”

Mike Huckabee Announces Additional New Hampshire Endorsements

Mike Huckabee Announces Additional New Hampshire Endorsements 

Manchester, NH – Former Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee, fresh from another strong debate performance in New Hampshire , announced today the endorsements of two key political leaders in Strafford County : Sheriff Wayne Estes of Milton and businessman and Republican activist, Dan Philbrick of Dover . "Dan Philbrick and Sheriff Wayne Estes have been vigorously courted by many of the presidential campaigns, and I am very honored that they chose my candidacy to support. Their leadership in Strafford County will be invaluable and I am pleased to have them part of my team," said Huckabee.

Sheriff Estes has been the high Sheriff of Strafford County for the past five years and has been in the Strafford County Sheriff's office for the past 29 years, rising from the ranks.  He will join the New Hampshire Huckabee Leadership Committee and serve as a Co-Chair of Strafford County. "I have watched all the candidates for some time now, but there is only one candidate who has demonstrated that he understands the problems facing people every day. Mike Huckabee doesn't talk to us – he is one of us, and he is the leader we need for this country," said Estes.

Dan Philbrick has been the owner of Philbrick's Sports, which employs 35 people, for over 25 years. He is a former Strafford County Republican finance chair, county delegate, and former state senate candidate. Along with Estes, he will serve on the Huckabee Leadership Committee and serve as a Co-Chair of Strafford County. "Mike Huckabee is a man of conviction with long standing conservative principals, both fiscally and socially.  He is a proven leader who also has the moral fiber to lead the country," said Philbrick.

Poll: Huckabee Surges In Iowa, New Hampshire And South Carolina

POLL:  HUCKABEE SURGES IN IOWA, NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SOUTH CAROLINA 
Leads Fred Thompson in Iowa , N.H.; Easily Outdistances Brownback in All Three

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has surged to third place in the Republican presidential contest in Iowa, leading potential candidate Fred Thompson in that state and New Hampshire , according to an American Research Group poll released today.

Huckabee, who scored a stunning second-place in the Republican Party of Iowa straw poll on Aug. 11, received support from 14 percent of Iowans and 9 percent of New Hampshire Republicans in the new ARG poll.  He had been at 1 percent in each state in July.  Huckabee stands at 9 percent in South Carolina , up from 3 percent in July, and is tied with former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for fourth place.

Thompson's Iowa support remained stuck at 13 percent for the second month after peaking at 14 percent in June, according to the poll.  He trails Huckabee in New Hampshire and is down from 13 percent in July to 8 percent.  The former U.S. senator from Tennessee is also off his peak in South Carolina , down from 27 percent in July to 23 percent this month.

"Mike Huckabee clearly remains an underdog in the race, but he is the real surprise in the field. Republicans in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina – the three states most focused on the 2008 presidential contest – are sizing him up and they obviously like what they see.  When they see him, meet him and hear them, they come away convinced that he ought to be in the top tier of candidates," said Chip Saltsman, Huckabee's national campaign manager. "That's why he's gaining momentum in all three crucial early states when other campaigns have stalled or are on a downward path."

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, who finished behind Huckabee in the straw poll, has no measurable support in Iowa , according to the poll. His peak in Iowa was 3 percent in June. Brownback's support among likely New Hampshire GOP primary voters has remained at 1 percent since April. He is at 2 percent in South Carolina .

U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona, who was at 17 percent in Iowa in July, opted not to compete in the Iowa straw poll – considered to be the first test of the candidates' organizational strength – after spending more than $25 million nationwide.  He fell to 5 percent in Iowa , according to the ARG poll. In South Carolina, McCain, who was at 36 percent in South Carolina , is now at 12 percent, while Huckabee's numbers are on the rise. McCain climbed 2 percent in New Hampshire in August, up from 10 percent to 12 percent but still down sharply from his April high of 29 percent.

Huckabee welcomed the good news: "Today's new poll shows a growing momentum that we've felt on the ground for weeks.  It also proves what voters across America know, that message matters. While I am truly encouraged by these upward trends in all Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina , I look forward to working even harder in the days and weeks to come."