Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee Hires John "Chip" Saltsman as Campaign Manager
Little Rock, Ark -- Mike Huckabee today officially announced the hiring of John "Chip" Saltsman as campaign manager for his exploratory bid for the White House, effective immediately.
As Huckabee's campaign manager, Saltsman will oversee the political, fundraising, and communications aspect of the campaign as well as the day-to-day operations.
"Chip brings a distinguished career of political expertise to our effort," said Huckabee. "He'll be a strong and focused manager of our strategy and direction as we continue to build a competitive team for the challenges ahead."
Saltsman previously worked as senior political advisor for then-U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's volunteer political action committee, Once Frist announced he did not plan to join the 2008 race for
president, Huckabee said he began talking to Saltsman about joining his team.
Saltsman is also a two-time Pioneer for President George W. Bush. One of his most notable achievements was in 2000, when he helped deliver former Vice President Al Gore's home state to Bush.
Saltsman said: "I have a great deal of respect for Governor Huckabee. He's a candidate who can rally the Republican base as well as reach out to centrists and independents."
"Chip's vast knowledge of the process and his principled commitment to a campaign with integrity is exactly what I've been looking for," said Huckabee.
The former Arkansas governor spent the past two days on a political tour of Iowa. On Monday, he filed paperwork to form a Presidential Exploratory committee with the Federal Election Commission.
