2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Janet Huckabee, Wife Of Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Will Visit The Twin Cities On Monday

FORMER AR FIRST LADY JANET HUCKABEE TO SPEAK WITH STUDENTS, TOUR ANTI-POVERTY RELIEF ORGANIZATION IN TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008

Little Rock, AR - Former Arkansas First Lady Janet Huckabee, wife of Presidential candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, will visit the Twin Cities on behalf of her husband's campaign on Monday, January 28, 2008, it was announced today. 

Mrs. Huckabee's visit comes a week in advance of Minnesota precinct caucuses on Tuesday, February 5.  While in the Twin Cities, she will address students at Northwestern College in St. Paul and take a warehouse tour of "Hope for the City," an anti-poverty relief organization, in St. Louis Park.

Monday, January 28, 2008

11:00 a.m. CT - St. Paul, Minnesota - Hosts media availability following a classroom visit and address to students at a chapel service at Northwestern College.

2:30 p.m. CT - St. Paul, Minnesota - Tours the Hope for the City warehouse followed by media availability, 8003 Oxford Avenue, St. Louis Park.

Mike Huckabee Launches New Ad Nationally

MIKE HUCKABEE LAUNCHES NEW AD NATIONALLY
"Common Sense" Highlights Huckabee's Pledge to Put IRS Out of Business

Little Rock, AR - Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee launched a new 30 second television ad Friday.

The new ad, "Common Sense," highlights Huckabee's Main Street message and the need for major reform in Washington, beginning with abolishing the IRS and ensuring that taxation, regulation, litigation are kept to the bare minimum.

The ad echoes a major campaign theme by Huckabee that he'll lead the fight to help Americans keep their jobs and paychecks.  It will run nationally on various national cable programs.

"This ad highlights a high priority for Governor Huckabee, that he wants to be the president that nails the going out of business sign on the IRS," said Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman.

Huckabee media consultant Bob Wickers stated, "This is a major national cable buy that will not only impact the Florida campaign, but we plan on adding to it as we move into Super Tuesday."

The ad script is below.

Mike Huckabee for President

:30 TV "Common Sense"

MIKE HUCKABEE TO CAMERA:

"The IRS penalizes productivity. Small business owners face their toughest competition from their own government.  Excessive taxation, regulation, and litigation leads to job migration. Let's change this nonsense to common sense.  I want to be the President who nails the "going out of business" sign on the door of the IRS.  Visit mikehuckabee.com and join our team.  I'm Mike Huckabee and I approve this message and I'll lead the fight to abolish the IRS; and we'll keep our jobs and paychecks."

Mike Huckabee At The GOP Debate In Boca Raton, Florida

Mike Huckabee Delivers Strong Performance at GOP Debate In Boca Raton, Florida

Boca Raton, FL - Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee scored major points during tonight's Republican Presidential debate in Boca Raton, Fla., emphasizing his plan to strengthen the U.S. economy, his successful record in Arkansas, and his vision for America's future.

"A few months ago, at the debate in Dearborn, Michigan, we were asked how about the economy, everyone said it's going great," Huckabee said.  "I was the only one who said it may be great if you're at the top, but it's not so good if you're the ones carrying the luggage, serving the food, or driving the cabs."

"People need a president who understands the totality of the impact of the economy, not just how it affects those at the top," Huckabee said.

"I wasn't in Washington the time, and that's the reason they should elect me because I wasn't there messing this all up," Huckabee said.

On the issue of the war, Huckabee said he supported President from the very beginning and "we owe him encouragement, not scorn."

"Now we can look back and say there were not weapons of mass destruction, but that doesn't mean there were not any," Huckabee said.  "It's easy to second guess a president, but I hope,  if we are elected  president, we can stand by our decision and not back down from our decision based on the results of some polls."

When asked about the Fair Tax, Huckabee said "people love it because Americans are currently penalized for productivity in this country."

"The Fair Tax encourages people to work, earn and save," Huckabee said.  "The average American realizes there has to be a better system. The current system is irrevocably broken."

When asked about his faith, Huckabee said it gives him a solid core which guides his everyday decisions.

"For me to run from my faith would be impossible," Huckabee said.  "I don't feel a person has to share my faith to share my love of this country."

Duncan Hunter Endorses Mike Huckabee for President

Duncan Hunter Endorses Mike Huckabee for President

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee accepted the endorsement of Congressman Duncan Hunter, the former Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, who withdrew from the Presidential race earlier this week. 

Huckabee stated, "I'm honored to have Duncan Hunter's support.  Over the past year, I have come to admire him on a personal and professional level.  We share many of the same positions on the military and immigration. I look forward to having his support as our campaign continues to surge ahead to Super Tuesday and beyond."

"I got to know Governor Huckabee well on the campaign trail. Of the remaining candidates, I feel that he is strongly committed to strengthening national defense, constructing the border fence and meeting the challenge of China's emergence as a military superpower that is taking large portions of America 's industrial base," said Congressman Hunter.

Hunter continued, "Mike Huckabee is a man of outstanding character and integrity. I saw that character over the last year of campaigning and was greatly impressed. The other Republican candidates have many strengths and I wish them all well. My personal choice is Mike Huckabee."

Huckabee called on Hunter's supporters – as well as those of former Senator Fred Thompson who also withdrew from the race -- to join his campaign. "As a true authentic conservative, I have a vision to bring hope, opportunity and prosperity to all Americans, and I welcome their support," Huckabee said.

Mike Huckabee Comments on Fred Thompson News

GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE COMMENTS ON THOMPSON NEWS

LITTLE ROCK, AR - Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee issued the following statement today:

"Today, Senator Fred Thompson announced that he will no longer seek the Republican nomination for President.  I wish Fred the best.

"Fred's decision, along with my friend Congressman Duncan Hunter's departure from the race, narrows the presidential field. I want to thank these fine men for their contributions to the debate. Our Party, and our nation, depends upon the patriotism and dedication of men and women who get involved in the political process.

"I commend Fred and Duncan for their focus on America's role in the world. I share their absolute conviction that the first responsibility of government is to protect the American people. Our country must prevail in our fight against radical Islamics who want to destroy us. 

"As a pro-life, pro-lower tax conservative Republican, who believes in the Second amendment, I believe that one of the greatest ongoing threats to our constitutional republic is the politicization of the federal judiciary. The role of a judge is to interpret the law, not to legislate from the bench; as president, I will only appoint men and women who share this view.

"As we move forward, I'd like to ask Fred's supporters, and Duncan's, to join our campaign. As a true authentic conservative, I have a vision to bring hope, opportunity and prosperity to all Americans, and I welcome their support."

South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Endorses Mike Huckabee for President

South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Endorses Mike Huckabee for President

Columbia, SC -- South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer endorsed Mike Huckabee for President, it was announced today. Bauer will join Huckabee as well as Former Governor David Beasley, State Chairman Mike Campbell , Chuck Norris, and Ric Flair on the campaign trail on Thursday.

Bauer stated, "I, like many voters, have been previously undecided, but this election is too important to sit on the sidelines. This week, I have decided to vote for Mike Huckabee, and I urge all South Carolinians to join me in voting for Mike Huckabee this Saturday. Simply put, I believe Mike Huckabee is the best of several fine candidates to lead America . As America faces tough times, Mike Huckabee has the character, integrity, and proven leadership to ensure our greatest days are yet to come."

"Also, I've tried to carefully compare each candidate's position as it relates to issues affecting senior citizens, and I've concluded that Mike Huckabee is a sound choice for senior citizens," Bauer said. As Lt. Governor, Bauer heads the state's office on aging.

Bauer also said he admires Huckabee's ability to win against the odds, noting that he, too, has a history of winning races considered to be upsets.

"Nobody knows better than I do that it's the people, not the polls, which determines the winner on election day," Bauer said. "I believe the fact that Mike Huckabee has stayed positive while others have waged negative campaigns against him, will sway undecided voters toward him. I believe it speaks to his character."

Huckabee stated, "I welcome Andre's support and am glad to have him on board Team Huckabee. I'm really pleased to have the support of a leader with such a solid record of achievement and a reputation for hard work and being a servant of the people, who shares my commitment to conservative governance."

Bauer, who is serving his second term as South Carolina's Lieutenant Governor, has joined Mike Huckabee's leadership team in South Carolina, which already includes Former Governor David Beasley, United States Congressman Bob Inglis, State Chairman Mike Campbell and the family of Former Governor Carroll A. Campbell Jr., and numerous state legislators including Greenville State Senator David Thomas, Rex Rice, and Liston Barfield of Conway.

Baseball Legend And SC Native Bobby Richardson Goes To Bat For Mike Huckabee

Baseball Legend and Sumter, SC Native Bobby Richardson Goes to Bat for Mike Huckabee
Richardson Says Huckabee is Number 1 for President 

Columbia, SC – Baseball Legend and Sumter, South Carolina native Bobby Richardson endorsed Mike Huckabee for President at a campaign rally at the Black River Electric Co-operative in Sumter, South Carolina today.

Richardson stated, "As someone who always wore the number 1 on my jersey, I am here to let everyone know that Mike Huckabee is truly Number 1. I hope voters all across South Carolina hit a homerun on January 19th by voting for Mike Huckabee in the South Carolina Republican Primary."

Huckabee stated, "I am excited to have Bobby Richardson on my team and appreciate his support. As a lifelong baseball fan, I am truly proud to have the support of various baseball greats including Bob Feller and Bobby Richardson and urge all baseball fans and voters alike to join Bobby Richardson in voting on Saturday, January 19th."

Richardson, a seven-time All-Star and the 1960 World Series MVP won five Gold Gloves and three World Series rings while starring at Second Base for the New York Yankees. After hanging up his glove in 1966, Richardson coached baseball teams at Liberty University, Coastal Carolina University, and the University of South Carolina, where he led the Gamecocks to their first ever College World Series in 1975. Richardson is also a highly sought-after motivational speaker, is a national leader within the Fellowship for Christian Athletes and was a 1976 Republican nominee for Congress.

Mike Huckabee Adds James P. Pinkerton to Campaign Staff

Mike Huckabee Adds James P. Pinkerton to Campaign Staff

LITTLE ROCK, AR -- James P. Pinkerton has become a senior advisor to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign, it was announced today.

"I am excited and honored to become part of Mike Huckabee's campaign. I have thought for a long time that he had the best ideas and the best message for our time--and when I met him, I saw that he was the best person for the job," Pinkerton said. "And then Ed Rollins, my old boss at the Reagan White House and at the Reagan Bush '84 campaign, said that I could help the Governor restore the magnificent Reagan coalition, I jumped at the opportunity."

Pinkerton has been a columnist for Newsday since 1993. He worked on domestic policy issues in the White House under presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. He worked in the 1980, 1984, 1988, and 1992 Republican presidential campaigns.

Mike Huckabee Launches New Ad in Michigan

Mike Huckabee Launches New Ad in Michigan

Little Rock, AR - The Huckabee for President Campaign launched a new television ad in Michigan Wednesday, underscoring the former Arkansas governor's commitment to Republican voters in the "Wolverine State."

Fresh off of a major victory in the Iowa Caucuses and a strong showing in New Hampshire, the Huckabee campaign has its sights on the January 15 GOP Michigan Primary.

"We're looking forward to competing in Michigan," said Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman. "Americans want a president who understands their dreams and aspirations, as well as their daily challenges.  They want a president from Main Street, not Wall Street.  Governor Huckabee is that candidate."

The new 30-second ad, called "Understanding," highlights Huckabee's Main Street message, his vision for America, and his understanding of the struggles of average American families. 

The ad also references Huckabee's pro-growth economic record as governor of Arkansas which includes fostering an increase of 121,686 Arkansans employed during his tenure. Under Governor Huckabee, Arkansas hit the lowest unemployment mark (4.1%) in state history and had the lowest average unemployment rate in the past 30 years.

"All across America, citizens are looking for a President who has a vision for ensuring America's greatest days are yet to come. As President, I will fight to protect the American Dream, promote prosperity, and preserve our core values," said Governor Mike Huckabee in the ad.

"As President, I will also bring the understanding of Main Street to the White House and bring about change for the better all across America just as I did in Arkansas," he said.

Script of "Understanding" -- :30 TV

MH ON CAMERA:

"When you grow up and life's a struggle, you have a whole different understanding of what most people are going through."

MH VOICE OVER FOOTAGE:

"We're losing manufacturing jobs, homeowners face a credit crisis, high fuel costs are spiraling, and families are hurting.  I cut taxes, built highways, reformed health care and education, and achieved record job growth.  I'm Mike Huckabee and I approved this message because I believe most Americans want their next president to remind them of the guy they work with, not the guy who laid them off.

New Mike Huckabee TV Ad "Understanding"

New Mike Huckabee TV Ad "Understanding"

Mike Huckabee for President
:30 TV
"Understanding"

MH ON CAMERA:
"When you grow up and life's a struggle, you have a whole different understanding of what most people are going through."

MH VOICE OVER FOOTAGE:
"We're losing manufacturing jobs, homeowners face a credit crisis, high fuel costs are spiraling, and families are hurting. I cut taxes, built highways, reformed health care and education, and achieved record job growth. I'm Mike Huckabee and I approved this message because I believe most Americans want their next president to remind them of the guy they work with, not the guy who laid them off.

Graphics:

U.S. Lost 2.4 Million Manufacturing Jobs
-U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics '01-'07

Cut Taxes Over 90 Times
-AR Department of Finance and Administration FY '97-'05

Health Care Coverage for 70,000 Uninsured Children.
-ARKids First!

Better Schools
Higher Test Scores
-Dept. of Education
-American Educational Research Association 7/30/07

"One of America's Best Governors"
-TIME Magazine November 13, 2005