2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Two Iowa Christian Alliance Board Members Annnounce Support For Huckabee Candidacy

TWO BOARD MEMBERS OF IOWA CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR HUCKABEE CANDIDACY

WEST DES MOINES – Rev. Brad Sherman and Scott Spray, board members of the Iowa Christian Alliance, today announced their personal support for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s campaign for president.

Sherman, who is pastor of the Solid Rock Christian Church in Coralville, and Scott Spray of Johnston, lauded Huckabee’s conservative credentials as they announced their support.

“Mike Huckabee is a man of deep convictions, with a strong conservative record of chief executive experience as Governor of Arkansas,” Spray said.  “I believe he has the right positions on social, fiscal, and national security issues. Importantly, he has demonstrated an ability to work with people of both parties and get things accomplished without compromising his core values.”

Sherman said, “Phony photo-op politicians are easy to spot – and that is not Mike Huckabee. He is a genuine man of faith who is not only right on the issues, but he also struck a chord in my heart that no other candidate has been able to do. America needs a man like Mike Huckabee now, with the leadership skills and vision to move our nation forward, now more than ever.”

Sherman and Spray emphasized that their endorsements do not reflect a similar position by the Iowa Christian Alliance, which is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

“True leaders are people who stand up for their beliefs and values at critical times,” Huckabee said.  “Brad Sherman and Scott Spray are standing up for their core values. Their support means a tremendous amount to me and my campaign. I share their commitment to authentic conservative values such as the sanctity of life, protection of traditional marriage and protection of our religious freedoms – and l look forward to our important work together in the coming weeks and months.”

Bob, Loretta Parker To Serve As Story County Co-Chairs For Mike Huckabee

BOB, LORETTA PARKER TO SERVE AS STORY COUNTY CO-CHAIRS FOR HUCKABEE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

WEST DES MOINES – Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee announced today that Bob and Loretta Parker of Story City will serve as Story County co-chairs for his presidential exploratory committee.       

“Bob and Loretta Parker embody what’s best about Iowa and America: a devotion to family, community, God and country that have made America the greatest nation on the planet,” Huckabee said.  “The lives they’ve led have made a real difference for so many people.  The fact that they’ve chosen to join our campaign says we’re on the right track with our commitment to elevate the public policy dialogue and provide real solutions for Main Street America.”

Huckabee launched his exploratory presidential campaign on Jan. 30 and is expected to make an official announcement in the coming weeks.

“Mike Huckabee has proven that he has the qualities of leadership, conviction, conscience and energy that will make him a winning candidate and an effective president of our country,” the Parkers said. “We agree with Governor Huckabee that our country will sustain its greatness when we each and individually, regardless of our economic, religious or personal history, ‘cease to be consumed only with our own prosperity, security, and needs’ and focus on the greater good.  His optimistic, clear vision of the future of America can captivate and motivate our people.”

Mike Huckabee Reagan Library Debate Highlights

Huckabee Debate Highlights 

"I have an optimistic vision for what America can become with the right leadership, a clear direction, and people who are willing to believe that the World War II generation doesn't have to be the last 'greatest generation.' I believe in the unlimited potential of the human spirit, a strong national defense, flatter and fairer taxes, and a government that allows the marketplace to regulate itself as much as possible to encourage and enhance free enterprise.

"I'm concerned that our national focus has been more on what divides us, rather than on what unites us. Too often, our government is polarized and paralyzed, focused on the politics of destruction, instead of what we can achieve when we come together with a common purpose.

"My strong personal values have always been at the heart of my public policies. I believe we can unite in spirit to take our country back to provide hope and opportunity for all Americans. As governor, I guided Arkansas through a period of remarkable change and progress. As President, I will lead the American people toward a time when we can successfully meet our goals, overcome difficult challenges, and rekindle our dreams to realize the impossible, in our great nation, the United States of America."

Mike Huckabees Prepares For First Debate

MIKE HUCKABEE PREPS FOR FIRST DEBATE, CONFIRMS MAY 15 SC DEBATE

LITTLE ROCK, AR – On Thursday, May 3, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will join his peers in the first Republican Presidential Candidates Debate for 2008 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is hosting the debate in conjunction with MSNBC and Politico.com.  The debate will air exclusively on cable’s MSNBC, with full coverage on MSNBC.com.  It will air at 8pm ET / 7 pm CT/ 5pm PT.

Earlier this week, Huckabee’s campaign officially registered to get on the 2008 South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary ballot with the hand-delivery of a check by political veteran Mike Campbell for $25,000 to Katon Dawson, Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party.

Completing the registration process with the South Carolina GOP confirms Governor Huckabee’s participation in the second Republican Presidential Debate, scheduled for May 15, 2007.

The South Carolina Debate will be hosted by the South Carolina Republican Party and broadcast commercial-free, starting at 9 PM ET / 8 pm CT live nationally on Fox News. The debate will take place at the Koger Center on the campus of the University of South Carolina and will be moderated by Brit Hume.

“I’m looking forward to discussing the issues with my fellow Republican candidates.  I’m confident my authentic conservative message will resonate with voters throughout South Carolina – and across America,” said Huckabee.

“I’m certain once America has the opportunity to hear Governor Huckabee’s message of hope and opportunity, they will join our family in recognizing that he is the true conservative in the race for President,” said former South Carolina First Lady Iris Campbell, whose family has played an integral role in the election of every Republican Presidential nominee since Ronald Reagan

Earlier this year, Mrs. Campbell agreed to serve as Honorary Chair of Huckabee’s presidential exploratory committee in South Carolina. 

Mike Campbell, who serves as a National Senior Advisor to the campaign in South Carolina, said, “I’m excited for the upcoming debates so that American people can see the authenticity of Governor Huckabee’s conservatism, his optimism and plan for America’s future.”

Mike Huckabee Announces Key Endorsements In New Hampshire

Mike Huckabee Announces Key Endorsements in New Hampshire

Manchester, NH – Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee said Thursday that he gained the endorsement of New Hampshire Republican leader, state Senator Bob Clegg during his recent visit to the Granite State.

“Sen. Clegg is not only a very influential senator, he’s a well-respected Republican leader in New Hampshire,” Huckabee said.  “We feel this is a huge score for us and one of the major New Hampshire announcements in terms of the political community.”

“I am proudly supporting Mike Huckabee for President because of his honesty, his integrity and his unwavering foundation of beliefs that don't change with the political winds, but instead represent the man he is,” Clegg said.  “I believe that we need a leader who has a positive vision for America, who will use that vision to craft policies that will inspire us to move beyond the past – allowing us to restore greatness to our country.”

Huckabee and his team, spearheaded by Debra Vanderbeek, have been traveling the Granite state in recent weeks to meet with the people of this key presidential primary state.  Clegg says he appreciates the fact that Huckabee has taken the time to connect with “every day people.”

“I want a candidate who is committed to working for each and every vote, meeting face to face with every person who has a question, because that is what sets our first-in-the-nation primary state apart from the rest of the country,” Clegg said.  “For these reasons, Mike Huckabee is the man, the leader, and the candidate that I am supporting for President.”

Mike Huckabee Comments On Supreme Court Ruling

FORMER GOVERNOR MIKE HUCKABEE APPLAUDS SUPREME COURT RULING ON PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION

MANCHESTER, NH – Former Governor Mike Huckabee (AR) issued the following statement on Wednesday’s 5-4 Supreme Court ruling upholding a federal ban on partial birth abortion.

"I am pleased that the Supreme Court ruled to uphold the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act passed by Congress in 2003 to protect mothers and children from the use of this gruesome procedure.  As governor of Arkansas, I led the fight to enact a similar ban to protect the sanctity of unborn human life – and I support a federal ban.  With this landmark ruling, I am optimistic that we are turning the tide in favor of life."

Acknowledging that the Supreme Court reviewed a similar case in 2000 with a 5-4 majority ruling to uphold abortion laws, Huckabee said: “The Republican Congress was right to enact to a federal law in 2003 banning partial birth abortion procedures.  Today’s Supreme Court – which upheld the 2003 law – is a narrow victory for those who support the culture of life, beginning with conception.  I applaud the Court's action, which also sends a strong reminder that we must stay vigilant in our cause to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”

Mike Huckabee And His Band Will Play For Iowa GOP

Former Governor Mike Huckabee and his Band will Play for GOP Crowds in Des Moines, Iowa.

Des Moines, IA – Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR) will take a brief musical break from the campaign trail as he and his band, “Capitol Offense,” play for a GOP crowd in Des Moines, IA, on Saturday, April 14, it was announced today.

The eight-member “Capitol Offense” band formed shortly after Huckabee became Governor of Arkansas in 1996. The band has opened for Willie Nelson, Percy Sledge, .38 Special and Grand Funk Railroad, in addition to playing at President George W. Bush’s inaugural ball in 2000 and 2004.

Mike Huckabee Names Wes Enos As Iowa Political Director

HUCKABEE CAMPAIGN NAMES VETERAN CAMPAIGNER AS IOWA POLITICAL DIRECTOR

DES MOINES, IA – Wes Enos was named Iowa political director for Mike Huckabee’s 2008 presidential exploratory campaign, it was announced today.

“Wes Enos is a young man who brings with him a wealth of grassroots experience developed as a volunteer, a professional field staffer and a candidate for public office in his own right,” said Huckabee, whose next trip to Iowa will be this Friday and Saturday.  “Wes understands what motivates Iowans and knows what it takes to develop a network of support. He’s a tremendous talent and an important addition to our Iowa organization.”

“Wes impresses everyone with his integrity and authenticity,” Vander Plaats said.  “He’ll be a real leader for the campaign where it’s most important in Iowa – at the grassroots.”

Enos will direct Iowa field operations for the Huckabee campaign.

“Of the candidates in the GOP field, only Governor Huckabee has the charisma, experience, and most importantly, undisputable conservative principles needed to lead our party and our nation forward,” Enos said. 

“His record of political success without compromising his core principles as a governor of a state dominated by Democrats is an inspiration to the conservative movement. I feel truly blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to join his campaign.”

Mike Rounds To Serve As Gubernatorial Leader Of Huckabee For President

SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR MIKE ROUNDS TO SERVE AS GUBERNATORIAL LEADER OF HUCKABEE FOR PRESIDENT EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE

SIOUX CITY, IA –  Campaigning in Iowa today, Mike Huckabee announced that Governor Mike Rounds (R-SD) will serve as Chairman of the National Steering Committee of his presidential exploratory campaign.

“I’m truly proud to have the strong support and backing of Mike Rounds – a distinguished governor and true leader – who also shares my governing philosophy and political ideas,” said Huckabee, who served as Arkansas governor from 1996-2007, during a media availability in Sioux City .

Huckabee said Rounds, whose state shares a border with Iowa , will work with 2006 lieutenant governor nominee Bob Vander Plaats of Sioux City and former Iowa House Speaker Pro Tem Danny Carroll of Grinnell to help deliver Iowa and the early primary states.

Huckabee previously named Vander Plaats and Carroll to serve as the Iowa chairman and co-chairman, respectively, of his presidential exploratory committee.

“I believe we need a strong leader to move America forward – a leader with a proven record of achievement and a clear and optimistic vision for our future. That leader is Mike Huckabee,” wrote Rounds in a letter being sent to the nation’s Republican Governors.

Lauding the strength of Huckabee’s message and plan to restore America ’s greatness,”  Rounds cited Huckabee’s ability to get things done during his tenure as chairman of the 50-state National Governors’ Association as one reason why the GOP Governors should back the former Arkansas governor. 

“Many of us deeply respect Mike’s work as NGA Chairman.  We saw him put partisan politics aside to work closely with our fellow Governors, Members of Congress, and the Bush Administration to get results on a variety of issues, including Medicaid and welfare reform, transportation and education,” wrote Rounds.

Rounds also addressed Huckabee’s leadership on issues of importance to governors, including the need to reform health care, energy policy and to bring innovative to education to help America ’s youth compete in the 21st century economy.

“Mike believes that the health care system in this country must be fixed. His yearlong initiative ‘Healthy America’ focused on the urgent need for U.S. policymakers to solve our national health care crisis.  On this issue, Mike has truly led by example.  I agree with his firm conviction that solving America ’s health care crisis is crucial to America ’s ability to compete on the world stage,” he wrote.

Rounds also cited Huckabee’s credentials as past chairman of the Education Commission of the States, a highly respected education policy organization, and a former chairman of the 37-state Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission.  “As ECS Chairman, he championed a movement to encourage the stability of art and music programs in public schools to foster creativity in our youth,” he wrote. 

“Mike also believes, as I do, that America must develop a comprehensive energy policy that ends America ’s dependence on foreign oil,” he wrote.

Rounds will work with Huckabee’s Congressional Chairman, U. S. Representative Don Young (R-AK) and Co-Chairman, U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) to fundraise and build political support for his candidacy, said Huckabee.

“Mike and I worked closely together during my tenure as Chairman and Vice Chair of the National Governors’ Association.  He’s a talented governor and individual – and I look forward to working with him again as we address America ’s most pressing challenges,” said Huckabee.

Rounds concluded: “Mike Huckabee is truly a ‘leader among leaders’ and a man of character who brings people together to get things done.  I’m proud to stand behind him as he seeks higher office -- and I hope you will too.”

Statement By Mike Huckabee On Edwards Announcement

STATEMENT BY FORMER GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE ON EDWARDS’ ANNOUNCEMENT

ORLANDO, FL – Former Governor Mike Huckabee (AR) issued the following statement in response to a news conference held today by former Sen. John Edwards (NC) and his wife, Elizabeth:

“Janet and I are saddened to hear the news of Elizabeth Edwards’ reoccurrence of cancer.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Edwards family.   I’m confident she and John will get through this difficult time with the same strength and courage as they have in the past and we pray for a speedy recovery.  Thirty-two years ago, Janet and I went through a similar valley when Janet was diagnosed with cancer of the spine. Like John and Elizabeth, we found strength through prayer and the support of our family and friends. ”