VANDER PLAATS, CARROLL JOIN MIKE HUCKABEE EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE AS STATE CHAIR, CO-CHAIR
URBANDALE, IA - Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee announced last night that 2006 lieutenant governor nominee Bob Vander Plaats of Sioux City and former House Speaker Pro Tem Danny Carroll of Grinnell will serve as the Iowa chairman and co-chairman, respectively, of the Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee.
Speaking at in a "Meet Mike Huckabee" event, Huckabee lauded Vander Plaats and Carroll as "two of the most recognized and respected conservative leaders in Iowa."
"No Iowa conservative enjoys a broader statewide political base than Bob Vander Plaats. He has built an impressive grassroots network through his clear vision of the future, hard work and an unwavering commitment to core conservative values," Huckabee said. "His support for a potential presidential campaign is a big, big boost for us and clearly signals that Iowa 's conservatives are receptive to my message of hope."
He continued, "Danny Carroll earned great respect during 12 years in the General Assembly as a conservative leader who always held true and firm true to his principles yet worked so successfully with people from across the political spectrum to accomplish meaningful results in health care, tax policy, education and economic development. Iowa 's social conservatives know that Danny Carroll has always been a clear, strong voice on the issues that matter most to them."
Carroll said, "Mike Huckabee has the solid experience in state government that is essential for anyone pursuing the office of president. His views reflect the values of everyday hardworking Americans and he will make a great president if he decides to take the next step on the road to the White House after completing his exploratory campaign."
Huckabee, who left office on Jan. 9 after more than 10 years as governor, has toured the country and appeared on national programs in recent days to discuss his fifth book, "From Hope to Higher Ground: 12 STOPs to Restoring America's Greatness." Time magazine has named him one of the five "Best Governors in the Nation" and his leadership on national Medicaid reform and education were among the reasons Governing magazine named Huckabee as a "Public Official of the Year" and AARP presented him with a national "Impact" award.
