2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Mike Huckabee Surges In The Polls

Huckabee Surges In The Polls
Former Arkansas Governor Ups Lead in Iowa to 5, Takes Second Place Nationally

LITTLE ROCK, AR –  New poll numbers released by the Des Moines Register show former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee leading in Iowa by 5 points, while yet another national poll by Rasmussen shows Huckabee in possession of second place.

Poll numbers this week released throughout last week show Huckabee leading in Iowa, double digits and climbing in both New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida, and in second place nationally.

“The numbers show we are climbing in the early states as well as nationally. My conservative message of faith, family, and freedom is resonating with the American people. They know it’s authentic. Ironically, the more we get attacked, the more our numbers soar,” said Huckabee.

“There's no substitute for message -- and the voters know it.  That is why we’ll be out front in the only polls that really matter – those on the respective primary and caucus days," he said.

Key findings of the Des Moines Register poll show Huckabee wins the support of 29 percent of Iowans who say they definitely or probably will attend the Republican Party's caucuses on Jan. 3 – up 17 percentage points from an earlier poll taken in October.  Huckabee leads Governor Romney, his nearest rival, among men, 28 percent to 20 percent, and he has more support among caucus-goers between the ages of 35 and 54 and is preferred 2:1 by those who wish their presidential candidate to be a social conservative.

Huckabee also outscores the entire Republican field as the candidate who is the “most socially conservative, the most civil in tone and the most principled.”

DesMoines Register Iowa Caucus Poll: December 1, 2007
Huckabee    29%
Romney          24%
Giuliani    13%
Thompson         9%
McCain         9%

Rasmussen Iowa Poll: November 28, 2007
Huckabee      28%
Romney         25%
Giuliani         12%
Thompson     11%
McCain          4%

vantage/Maj. Opinion

Rasmussen National Tracking Poll: December 1, 2007
Giuliani    24%
Huckabee          15%
Thompson        14%
McCain          13%
Romney          10%

American Research Group South Carolina Poll: November 30, 2007
Giuliani        23%
Romney          21%
Huckabee       18%
Thompson        13%
McCain          10%

Rasmussen New Hampshire Poll: November 30, 2007
Romney:      34%
Giuliani     15%
McCain       15%
Huckabee    14%
Thompson       3%

Insider Advantage Florida Poll: November 28, 2007
Giuliani      26%
Huckabee    17%
McCain        13%
Romney        12%
Thompson        9%

“This recent flurry of polls showing upward momentum is great news, but what matters is performance. I’m going to continue to campaign hard to win the hearts and minds of the voters who I believe will be receptive to my positive message of change for America’s future,” said Huckabee.

The Reviews Are Coming In: Mike Huckabee At The Florida Debate

The Reviews Are Coming In: Mike Huckabee At The Florida Debate

Matthew Lee Anderson of Mere Orthodoxy:  Tonight’s winner?  I’m biased, but I think Huck did particularly well, especially at the end.

Bryron York from the Corner:   [Huckabee’s] clearly on the rise in Iowa and South Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere, and my guess is that people who are considering supporting him liked what they saw tonight.

Patrick Ruffini:  Huckabee actually won. I wasn’t a fan of his previous debate performances, but he dialed down the schtick. This was a debate performance he needed at a critical time.

Erick at RedState:  Mike Huckabee scored the debate points on rhetoric and is the winner of this debate. He did really well. He showed up Romney. He showed up Rudy. If Mike could convince me he’s actually a free market guy, I’d be tempted.

Bull Dog Pundit of Ankle Biting Pundits:  Mike Huckabee continues to impress, and comes off as the most genuine guy up there.  He’s obviously a darling of social conservatives (for good reason) but doesn’t come close to being the MSM stereotype of a “wacky preachy religious guy”.  His answer on why it’s impossible to understand the Bible was pure genius. On substance he’s a great salesman for the Fair Tax. I’m not quite sure I’m on board with it, but it does intrigue me, in large part because something about Huckabee makes me trust him and the decisions he makes.

He also gave a good answer to whether he would accept support from the Log Cabin Republicans (”I’ll accept anyone’s support, but I won’t change my views just to get it. We can disagree on things but still support each other on others”).

I also get another vibe from Huckabee.  I’m not a very religious guy, and the subject usually bores me, and I can’t stand people who constantly talk about it, because it just turns me off.  But I think Huckabee is the kind of guy who you could sit down and talk to about religion that would get you to start thinking positively about religion and get yhou to make it a bigger part of your life, not by bashing you over the head with it, but just getting you to think about its role in your life. Not that I’m at all interested in that (although I should be), I’m just saying I could see him being that kind of guy.

Ed Morrisey of Captains Quarters:  Now, who won among the candidates? I'd have to lean towards Mike Huckabee. He steered clear of personal attacks, allowed his natural personality to emerge, and used his sense of humor to great effect. If people wonder why Huckabee has made a major move in Iowa, they saw why.

Mike Huckabee Receives Personal Endorsement Of Jerry Falwell Jr

Mike Huckabee Receives Personal Endorsement of Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr

Lynchburg, VA – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee announced the personal endorsement of Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr. Falwell is the son of the late Jerry Falwell, founder of Liberty University and Falwell Ministries.

"I knew Jerry's dad for more than 30 years and have admired the long tradition of Liberty University and the legacy for creating 'Champions for Christ'," Huckabee said. "Dr. Falwell's vision of helping students to start with nothing to believe they can change the world is exactly what our campaign is all about."

This endorsement comes one-day after Huckabee announced the formation of his Faith and Family Values Coalition, a team of 30 faith leaders who will join Huckabee in reaching out to Christian and social conservatives across the country. The team will also assist and advise Huckabee on policy issues that affect families and the faith community.

This is a personal endorsement and does not reflect the organizations Jerry Falwell Jr. represents.

Huckabee Campaign Unveils 2nd New Ad In Iowa, "Believe"

Huckabee Campaign Unveils 2nd New Ad In Iowa

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee said today that a new television ad, called “Believe,” will help voters understand his record in public service and his vision for America’s future.
 
"Faith doesn't just influence me, it really defines me,” says Huckabee on camera, echoing a sentiment he often expresses on the campaign trail. 
 
The 30-second spot (the second in two weeks) also reiterates Huckabee’s strong stand on pro-life issues, including his belief that life begins at conception, and dedication to conservative values.  “Let us never sacrifice our principles for anybody's politics.  Not now. Not ever,” said Huckabee. 

Huckabee became politically active because of the life amendment when he helped pass Arkansas’ Unborn Child Amendment.  As governor, he fought for passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the right to life and other pro-life initiatives including signing legislation to ban partial birth abortion and a litany of other measures.  He supports, and has always supported, passage of a federal Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As president, he has vowed to fight for passage of this amendment.
 
Recognizing that “our true strength comes from our families,” Huckabee strongly supports and has consistently supported passage of a federal constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. As Governor of Arkansas, he led the successful effort to pass a similar state constitutional amendment in 2002 and a successful effort to make Arkansas one of three states to adopt "covenant" marriage.

Mike Huckabee for President

:30 TV
"Believe"

AUDIO:

MH on Camera:
"Faith doesn't just influence me, it really defines me."

MH Voice Over:
"I don't have to wake up everyday wondering what do I need to believe."

MH at Values Voter Summit:
"Let us never sacrifice our principles for anybody's politics. Not now. Not ever!" (Applause/Cheering)

MH Voice Over:
"I believe Life begins at conception."

MH at Values Voter Summit:
"We believe in some things. We stand by those things. We live or die by those things!" (Applause/Cheering)

MH Voice Over:
"I'm Mike Huckabee, and I approved this message."

Mike Huckabee Receives Endorsement From Ric Flair

Ric Flair: "Mike Huckabee is the Man, Whooooo!"
Former World Heavyweight Champion 'Nature Boy' to Officially Endorse Huckabee on Saturday before Clemson-Carolina Game

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee announced today the endorsement of professional wrestling legend "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, the former 16-time World Heavyweight Champion known worldwide for his "stylin' and profilin'" personality and his signature "Whooooooo" with which he ends interviews. 

Flair will make his endorsement official by campaigning with Huckabee at a tailgate at 5:00 PM prior to the Clemson-Carolina game that will take place just outside the West Entrance to Williams Brice Stadium in Stadium Lot spaces 433-434 on Saturday, November 24.

"It's a tremendous honor to offer my support to such an outstanding leader as Mike Huckabee" Flair said.  "His authentic conservative qualifications and level of executive leadership experience are unmatched by his opponents.  And like I always say, to be the man, you've got to beat the man and Mike Huckabee is the man.  Whoooooooo!"

Mr. Flair has previously campaigned for the presidential primary campaigns of George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, and George W. Bush.  His endorsement comes on the heels of the unveiling of a new Huckabee campaign ad featuring the endorsement of actor and martial arts expert, Chuck Norris.

"I am honored to have the support of Ric Flair.  I'm a huge fan of the Nature Boy. My children grew up watching him and the Four Horseman. Most of all, I look forward to having Nature Boy join me on the campaign trail at the South Carolina-Clemson game this weekend. Ric's endorsement will help us put a figure four leg lock on our opponents."

Mike Huckabee Announces Faith Endorsements From Zig Ziglar And Jerry Jenkins

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee Announces Faith Endorsements from Zig Ziglar and Jerry Jenkins

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee announced today that Zig Ziglar and Jerry Jenkins have joined the growing list of endorsements from members of the faith community.

“These two men are giants in their field and I’m proud to have their support,” Huckabee said.  “Zig has taught me a great deal about effective leadership and Jerry’s writings have truly inspired me and deepened my faith.”

Zig Ziglar is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker/ teacher who has written 26 books. He is founder of Ziglar, Inc, which is built upon the same philosophy he expounds to his audiences – hard work, common sense, fairness, commitment and integrity.

“I’m excited to be supporting Mike Huckabee for president of the United States.  I’ve observed him throughout his political career and believe he is the best representative of the conservative movement on the American political scene,” Ziglar said.  “I will be encouraging all voters to look closely and seriously at Mike Huckabee, the man I believe will best represent the values and beliefs of conservative Americans.”

“This is the first time I have ever publicly endorsed a candidate, that's how strongly I feel about Mike Huckabee,” Jenkins said.  “I resonate with his values and personal character and believe he is the kind of man who can guide the country through difficult times.”

New Huckabee Campaign Ad Featuring Chuck Norris To Air In Iowa

New Huckabee Campaign Ad Featuring Chuck Norris To Air In Iowa

Little Rock, AR - During an exclusive interview on Fox News Sunday this morning, former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee unveiled a new television ad featuring actor Chuck Norris that will begin airing in Iowa on Monday, November 19.

The 60-second TV ad, called 'Chuck Norris Approved," features Norris' endorsement of Huckabee as a "principled, authentic conservative." The ad also discusses Huckabee's support for the Fair Tax, securing the border, and the 2nd amendment.

"This is a light-hearted ad which draws attention to important issues. We want to show that running for President is serious business but a person can have fun doing it. I appreciate Chuck Norris' endorsement and his participation in the ad, which was designed to spotlight some key issues and to draw interested voters to our website," said Huckabee.

Mike Huckabee for President
:60 Television
"Chuck Norris Approved"

 

Announcer:  "An important policy message from Governor Mike Huckabee"

 

Mike Huckabee on Camera: "My plan to secure the border? Two words: Chuck Norris"

 

Chuck Norris on Camera: "Mike Huckabee's a lifelong hunter who will protect our 2nd Amendment rights"

 

Mike Huckabee on Camera: "There is no chin behind Chuck Norris's beard, only another fist."

 

Chuck Norris on Camera: "Mike Huckabee wants to put the IRS out of business"

 

Mike Huckabee on Camera: "When Chuck Norris does a push-up, he isn't lifting himself up, he's pushing the earth down."

 

Chuck Norris on Camera: "Mike's a principled, authentic Conservative"

 

Mike Huckabee on Camera: "Chuck Norris doesn't endorse - he tells America how it's gonna be."

 

"Mike Huckabee for President" logo on screen with website address

 

Mike Huckabee on Camera: "I'm Mike Huckabee, and I approve this message…" (both on camera) "So did Chuck."

 

Chuck Norris on Camera: "Chuck Norris approved"

 

"Chuck Norris Approved" logo on camera

Mike Huckabee Names Tim Michels Chairman Of Wisconsin Leadership Committee

Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Names Former U.S. Senate Candidate Tim Michels Chairman of Wisconsin Leadership Committee

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee has named Former U.S. Senate Candidate Tim Michels as his Wisconsin State Chairman.

"I am proud to announce the addition of Tim Michels as Chairman of my Wisconsin Leadership Committee," Huckabee said. "He is a highly motivated manager, distinguished military veteran, and a strong supporter of common sense, conservative values."

"I am honored to be on the Huckabee team and serve as his Wisconsin Campaign Chairman. Governor Huckabee is a family man and proven executive who has demonstrated the leadership that America needs during these challenging times," Michels said. "For more than a decade he provided consistent leadership for the State of Arkansas which resulted in fiscal responsibility and kept honor intact in the office of the Governor."

Michels was the 2004 Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate and received 1.3 million votes, more than any other Republican in the history of the state of Wisconsin.

"These are not times for the United States to have a president who has no executive experience or who has changed their positions on issues. Governor Huckabee's conservative credentials are solid and consistent," Michels said. "These are traits that hard-working Wisconsin people are looking for in their next president."

Mike Huckabee Salutes Our Nation's Veteran

Mike Huckabee Salutes Our Nation's Veterans

LITTLE ROCK, AR - Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee issued the following statement today in honor of Veterans Day:

"Today we honor American military men and women who have served, or are currently serving, our country so we may enjoy the blessings of freedom and democracy. We owe a debt of gratitude to these brave individuals, as well as to those who have paid the ultimate price, so that we may be free to reach our fullest potential. Their sacrifices for our grateful nation must never be forgotten. It is our duty to ensure that their faithful service is truly recognized by upholding our promises to provide the opportunities and support they need.

"Janet and I pray for our troops as well as their families, who keep the home fires burning while their loved ones are away. May God bless our veterans and their families, and may God continue to bless America."

Mike Huckabee Iowa Reagan Day Dinner Photo