2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Mike Huckabee Wins Support From Machinists And Aerospace Workers

Mike Huckabee Wins Support from Machinists and Aerospace Workers

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Former Governor Mike Huckabee (AR) won the support of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today. The IAM, for the first time in its 119 year history, endorsed candidates in both the Republican and Democratic primaries.

Huckabee welcomed the IAM endorsement stating, "I'm proud to have the support of the workers who bring prosperity to America on a daily basis."

Huckabee spoke before over 700 members of the IAM in Orlando, Florida on Monday about jobs, globalization, health care, and other 21st century domestic issues. During his conversation with IAM workers, Huckabee stated, "In order for this country to be free, there are three things we must do: feed ourselves, fuel ourselves and fight for ourselves. That means we need to be manufacturing our own means of defense and making it a national security issue."

During his speech on Monday night, Huckabee outlined his program to improve the lives of working Americans, including his support of the Fair Tax.  Under the Fair Tax, he said, "American companies are far less likely to move overseas and foreign companies are far more likely to come here, hiring Americans to build and work in their new plants."

Huckabee also said he believes in fair trade. "Free trade has to be fair trade. We are losing jobs because of an unlevel, unfair trading arena that has to be fixed. Behind the statistics, there are real families, real lives, and real pain. I'm running for President because I don't want people who have worked loyally for a company for 20 or 30 years to walk in one morning and be handed a pink slip and be told, 'I'm sorry, but everything you spent your life working for is no longer here.'"

Huckabee received the historic endorsement this morning during the final day of IAM's National Staff Conference.  Shortly after receiving the news, Huckabee thanked President Tom Buffenbarger on a phone call morning: "I appreciate the unprecedented opportunity to participate in the IAM meeting this week and to receive this historic endorsement."

Mike Huckabee Announces New Hampshire Endorsements

Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Announces New Hampshire Endorsements

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, following a strong finish in the Iowa Straw Poll, announced today an impressive roster of prominent New Hampshire political leaders and activists endorsing his presidential candidacy.

Among them, former Senator and Executive Council Candidate Russell Prescott from Exeter will join the New Hampshire Huckabee Leadership Committee and serve as the Rockingham County Co-Chair, it was announced.

"Governor Huckabee speaks from the heart – articulating positions that encourage both sides to work together.  His qualifications for President are backed up by his performance as Governor of Arkansas," Prescott said.  "Being elected in an 80% Democrat state, he bypassed party lines and proved people vote for authenticity and results.  Governor Huckabee is strong in so many areas.  He is my choice for President and I am looking forward to working real hard for him." 

Former Executive Councilor, State Senator and State Representative Dave Wheeler will also serve on the statewide leadership committee, chair Huckabee's "New Hampshire Homeschoolers for Huckabee Coalition," and serve on his 2nd Amendment Advisory Committee.

"Mike Huckabee is just the type of leader this country needs.  He is a true conservative that shares the same family values that I do," Wheeler said.  "His record of accomplishment in Arkansas is impressive, and he is the only candidate that I can fully endorse without hesitation because I know that he believes in what he says.  Mike Huckabee is the person I will be supporting and working for to get elected President."

Also endorsing Huckabee is former Commissioner of Transportation Carol Murray, who will advise the Governor's campaign on transportation issues.  In addition, State Representative Jason Bedrick from Windham, will serve as the Windham/Salem Town Chair;  John Castelot, Vice Chairman of the Manchester Republican Committee, will serve as the Manchester Ward 4 Chair; Cheryl Cataldo, will serve as Farmington Town Chair; State Representative Dan Dumaine, will serve as the Rockingham County Co-Chair and Auburn Town Chair; State Representative Frank Emiro, will serve as Londonderry Town Chair; State Representative Ryan Hansen, will serve as the Milford Town Chair; Dick & Linda Jazowski, will serve as Rochester City Committee Chairs; State Representative Connie Soucy, will serve as Manchester City Committee Co-Chair; and former State Representative Rep. Nancy Wall will serve as the Hollis Town Chair.
"I am pleased to have the trust and support of this fine group of individuals, led by New Hampshire Campaign Manager Debra Vanderbeek," Huckabee said.  " New Hampshire is a priority state for me.  With my growing leadership team, and the continued wise counsel of my co-chairmen, Fred Bramante and Cliff Hurst, and my advisor on state issues, Sen. Bob Clegg, I am confident we will be victorious on Primary Day."

Mike Huckabee Announces Speaker Bill Howell As Presidential Campaign Virginia State Chair

Mike Huckabee Announces Speaker Bill Howell as Presidential Campaign Virginia State Chair

Little Rock, AR – Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell has endorsed Mike Huckabee for President and will serve as his Virginia State Chair, it was announced today.

"I'm very pleased that Speaker Howell has agreed to join my campaign in this capacity," Huckabee said. "Bill has a distinguished track record of success in Virginia . His impressive record of accomplishment and outstanding reputation will help build our organization."

"I'm excited to be Governor Huckabee's Virginia Chair," Howell said. "He is the leader our country needs and one I am honored to serve as state chair for his campaign."

"Since our 2nd place finish in the Iowa straw poll on Saturday, the energy and momentum of our campaign has continued to exceed expectations," said Chip Saltsman , Huckabee's Campaign Manager. "We expect Speaker Howell to be the first of many distinguished individuals to join our team."

"Governor Huckabee embodies the values and aspirations of the people of Virginia ," said Howell. "He will work vigorously to spread his principled, conservative message, earning the support of others around the country, and I look forward to being an active part of that dynamic effort."

"We are honored to have Speaker Howell lead our Virginia team," Huckabee said on Thursday. "Bill has earned the respect of those elected to govern the Commonwealth of Virginia and his endorsement is further indication of our growing momentum."

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee Claims Victory

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee Claims Victory

AMES, Iowa – Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee claimed a victory with a second place finish in Saturday's Republican Party of Iowa Straw Poll, saying he has momentum heading into the next phase of the campaign.

Despite a clear financial disadvantage, Huckabee said he came in with a strong second place on account of several factors, including his experience as an executive leader, the strength of his message and his vision for the future.

"This caps off a great week here in Iowa .  My goal in Iowa was to introduce myself to voters in the Hawkeye State and create enough momentum to send our campaign to New Hampshire and South Carolina . We've met, and exceeded, that goal with resources both in terms of money and staff," Huckabee said. "Tonight's results prove that our message of results-driven optimism resonates with real people; that our organization can put together a successful effort; and that Iowa is winnable for us. We over-performed by having more votes and tickets purchased and having no paid media, unlike other candidates."

Huckabee said he is especially proud of his strong showing because he spent far less money than the rest of the Republican field.

"We had a minimum amount of resources and made a maximum amount of gain," Huckabee said.

Huckabee added his gratitude to the men and women of Iowa for their participation in the straw poll, while looking forward to a return visit to the Hawkeye state.

"I have to tip my hat to the dedicated caucus-goers who put up with this heated frenzy and came out to vote," Huckabee said. "I am deeply grateful to all the families who invited me into their homes, met me in coffee shops and diners, shared their stories, and listened to my ideas on improving America .

"I am looking forward to returning to Iowa to work even harder to lift our campaign to victory by showing Americans there is a higher ground to be reached by bringing hope back to America with fairer taxes, a working health care system, energy self-reliance, and reinvestment in America 's future," he added.

Mike Huckabee Iowa Straw Poll Photos

What They Are Saying About Mike Huckabee At The GOP Presidential Debate

MIKE HUCKABEE IS DECISIVE WINNER OF GOP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Former Arkansas Governor is Tied for Third Place Among Declared Candidates

Des Moines, IA – Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee came out as the obvious winner in today's Iowa Republican debate in Des Moines, Iowa, according to news reports. The victory comes on the heels of Huckabee's strong showing in the latest ABC News-Washington Post telephone poll of 402 likely caucus-goers (conducted July 26-31). The new poll places Huckabee in a tie for third place among declared candidates – and gaining momentum.

The campaign welcomed the good news, which comes in the final week before the August 11th Ames Straw Poll. "Iowa voters saw Mike Huckabee define himself again today as a candidate with executive experience and a message focused on a strong, safe, economically vibrant America .  He has what it takes to restore America's greatness," said Bob Vander Plaats, who chairs Huckabee's campaign in Iowa .

According to ABC News and the Washington Post, Huckabee did particularly well, also placing third for his understanding of the problems, likeability and being close to voters on the issues. The survey has a margin of 5 percentage points. He also is an appealing candidate to Evangelicals, placing second at 17 percent, followed by Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani and John McCain.

"Americans, and in particular, Iowans, are having a chance to see that Gov. Huckabee's message is right on target on Iraq, health care, national infrastructure and other vital issues of importance to our country," said Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman, who noted that Huckabee returned to Iowa on Aug. 1 and will campaign extensively around the state through the Aug. 11 straw poll.

On the issue of Iraq, Huckabee told ABC host George Stephanopoulos there is a successful compromise in the debate over staying in or pulling out of Iraq . "Certainly there's a middle ground George. And the middle ground is that we win this war and we do it with honor," Huckabee said. "We don't just stay indefinitely.  We put some pressure – just like we have been the last week, with Secretary Rice and Secretary Gates – on the Saudis."
Huckabee said the Iraqi people need to take on more military and financial responsibility for themselves, and America need to end its dependence on foreign oil. "If we can feed ourselves, if we can fuel ourselves, if we can manufacture the weapons to fight for ourselves, we're a free people.  If we can't do those three things, we're not free," Huckabee said to a round of applause.

In the area of health care, Huckabee stressed the need to focus on prevention rather than intervention.

"You know, if you want to know how to fix it, I've got a solution. Either give every American the same kind of health care that Congress has, or make Congress have the same kind of health care that every American has," Huckabee said.

Huckabee said "it's time for a major overhaul of our tax system" and urged others to support the Fair Tax.

"The reality is, if we could have the fair tax, you take $10 trillion parked offshore, bring it home, you rebuild the 'made in America' brand, you free up people to earn money, to work, you don't penalize them for taking a second job, you don't penalize them for investing, you don't penalize them for savings," Huckabee said.

"As Gov. Huckabee travels across Iowa , his message is connecting with the people," Saltsman said. "This poll shows that his momentum is growing and we expect that to continue in the weeks and months to come."

Mike Huckabee (R) Comments On Jim Gilmore Dropping Out Of The Race

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) Comments on Jim Gilmore Dropping Out of the Race for the Presidency

Little Rock, AR – Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR) Comments on Today's Decision by Jim Gilmore to Withdraw from 2008 Presidential Race:

"Jim Gilmore successfully campaigned for governor of Virginia on a platform to reduce taxes and improve education in his state. I share his commitment to those issues, and applaud his more recent efforts to support local emergency responders across America . As a fellow former Republican governor and state executive leader, I share his views on many issues, particularly on the need to win the War on Terror and create a stronger national defense. Raising money is indeed a challenge. I respect his decision to leave the race and welcome his support."

Mike Huckabee Launches New Updated Campaign Website

Mike Huckabee Launches New Updated Campaign Website

Little Rock, AR – Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR) announced the launch of his new campaign website:  www.mikehuckabee.com.  The new site is visually appealing, easy to navigate and will be updated several times a day.
 
“The internet is a vital tool to get my conservative message to as many people as possible,” Gov. Huckabee said.  “Having a website that is easy to find and navigate will ensure that our latest campaign news and information is just a click away.”

The new home page includes the title “Authentic Conservative.  Proven Leader” and features current photos of Huckabee on the campaign trail.  It also includes updates on the campaign’s strong efforts in Iowa, with a variety of information on ways volunteers can help out in the Hawkeye State.

The website is broken into six sections.  The “About Mike” section provides biographical information on Huckabee and his wife, Janet.  There is also a photo gallery, including various photos of the governor meeting with people across the country.  The “Newsroom” section contains press releases, published articles, and archived information – as well as video and audio clips from various news stories and conference calls.  The “Issues” section outlines the former governor’s position on a range of issues, including national security, education, health care, and immigration.  The “Blog” section is constantly updated with blog reports and contains an impressive blog-roll of “Bloggers for Huckabee.”

“Bloggers are a key component in distributing valuable political news of the day,” Gov. Huckabee said.  “Voters are looking for unfiltered information about the issues and candidates, and bloggers provide that.”

One popular aspect is the “Why I Like Mike” video clips, featuring Huckabee connecting with supporters from across the country, with people of all ages.

The last two sections, “Get Involved” and “Contribution” sections provide information for people to join the Huckabee campaign by volunteering, contributing, and spreading the Huckabee message.  There is also a Huckabee Newsletter sign-up feature and listing of upcoming events.

Huckabee to Open Iowa Campaign

Huckabee to Open Iowa Campaign

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee announced today that its Iowa headquarters will be located in the heart of downtown Des Moines. The office, which will open within the week, will be in the ground floor of the Des Moines Building, 405 Sixth Avenue.

“There aren’t many spots in the city that have a higher profile and more traffic than the corner of Sixth Avenue and Locust Street,” said Bob Vander Plaats, Huckabee’s Iowa chairman. “Our mission is to let Iowans know about Mike Huckabee, his record as an authentic conservative with an impressive array of accomplishments as governor of Arkansas and his vision for restoring America’s greatness. And that location suits our mission to a T.”

Vander Plaats noted that Huckabee caught a glimpse of the offices during his most recent visit to Des Moines on May 26. “He recognizes an excellent campaign headquarters location when he sees one and he couldn’t have been happier. We’re looking forward to a grand opening with Governor Huckabee in the near future,” Vander Plaats said. “We’re also looking forward stepping up our activities leading up to the Iowa caucuses next January.”

Statement by Former Mike Huckabee On Passing Of Rev. Jerry Falwell

STATEMENT BY MIKE HUCKABEE ON THE PASSING OF REV. JERRY FALWELL

COLUMBIA, SC – Former Governor Mike Huckabee (AR) issued the following statement Tuesday in response to news of the death of The Rev. Jerry Falwell.

"I've known Dr. Falwell since the mid 1970’s.  I've been to his church and spoke at the university last fall.  He was one of Christendom’s great leaders who stood by his convictions and never lost his common touch.  Many did not know about his sense of humor and compassion for people from all walks of life."

“"Dr. Falwell helped spark a conservative movement that renewed our belief in our core values and a new confidence in what is good about America.  His efforts helped elect one of America’s greatest leaders, President Ronald Reagan, in 1980. We are deeply indebted to his service to our nation."”