By Dick Morris
As Mike Huckabee rises in the polls, an inevitable process of vetting him for conservative credentials is under way in which people who know nothing of Arkansas or of the circumstances of his governorship weigh in knowingly about his record. As his political consultant in the early '90s and one who has been following Arkansas politics for 30 years, let me clue you in: Mike Huckabee is a fiscal conservative.
A recent column by Bob Novak excoriated Huckabee for a "47 percent increase in state tax burden." But during Huckabee's years in office, total state tax burden -- all 50 states combined -- rose by twice as much: 98 percent, increasing from $743 billion in 1993 to $1.47 trillion in 2005.
In Arkansas, the income tax when he took office was 1 percent for the poorest taxpayers and 7 percent for the richest, exactly where it stood when he left the statehouse 11 years later. But, in the interim, he doubled the standard deduction and the child care credit, repealed capital gains taxes for home sales, lowered the capital gains rate, expanded the homestead exemption and set up tax-free savings accounts for medical care and college tuition.
Most impressively, when he had to pass an income tax surcharge amid the drop in revenues after Sept. 11, 2001, he repealed it three years later when he didn't need it any longer.
Finish the article here:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/11/huckabee_is_a_fiscal_conservat.html
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Huck supporters like his softer side
By: David Mark
Nov 27, 2007 05:55 PM EST
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Rep. Bob Inglis is a staunch social conservative who opposes gay marriage and abortion and believes the concept of intelligent design should be taught in public schools along with evolution.
But that’s not what’s driving his support for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in South Carolina’s Jan. 19 primary — giving a glimpse into Huckabee’s unorthodox strategy for translating his Iowa momentum into success in Dixie.
Inglis, a South Carolina Republican, said that despite being wooed by all the leading GOP presidential candidates, he went with Huckabee because of his emphasis on more consumer-friendly issues like health care, federal arts funding, climate change and other topics that would appeal to broad group of voters, not just traditional social and Christian conservatives.
“It’s probably not what people would have expected out of a Baptist preacher from Arkansas," Inglis said in an interview. “He's a conservative who’s focused on the future, and rooted in principle and experience. It’s the reason people are taking a look.”
As Huckabee gains traction in Iowa ahead of the Jan. 3 caucuses — within striking distance of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, or even statistically tied, according to some polls — he must find a place to translate a strong Iowa finish into continued momentum. South Carolina, rife with movement conservatives who would be comfortable with Huckabee’s Arkansas twang, appears to be his richest target.
Find the complete story here:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1107/7066.html
Nov 27, 2007 05:55 PM EST
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Rep. Bob Inglis is a staunch social conservative who opposes gay marriage and abortion and believes the concept of intelligent design should be taught in public schools along with evolution.
But that’s not what’s driving his support for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in South Carolina’s Jan. 19 primary — giving a glimpse into Huckabee’s unorthodox strategy for translating his Iowa momentum into success in Dixie.
Inglis, a South Carolina Republican, said that despite being wooed by all the leading GOP presidential candidates, he went with Huckabee because of his emphasis on more consumer-friendly issues like health care, federal arts funding, climate change and other topics that would appeal to broad group of voters, not just traditional social and Christian conservatives.
“It’s probably not what people would have expected out of a Baptist preacher from Arkansas," Inglis said in an interview. “He's a conservative who’s focused on the future, and rooted in principle and experience. It’s the reason people are taking a look.”
As Huckabee gains traction in Iowa ahead of the Jan. 3 caucuses — within striking distance of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, or even statistically tied, according to some polls — he must find a place to translate a strong Iowa finish into continued momentum. South Carolina, rife with movement conservatives who would be comfortable with Huckabee’s Arkansas twang, appears to be his richest target.
Find the complete story here:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1107/7066.html
IA Poll: Huckabee Leads
Governor Huckabee is now in the lead!
Read the story here:
http://time-blog.com/real_clear_politics/2007/11/ia_poll_huckabee_leads.html
Read the story here:
http://time-blog.com/real_clear_politics/2007/11/ia_poll_huckabee_leads.html
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Huckabee: US Enslaved to Saudi Oil
(AP / Washington) — Consumers are financing both sides in the war on terror because of the actions of U.S. ally Saudi Arabia, Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee said Sunday.
The former Arkansas governor made the comments following what he suggested was a muted response by the Bush administration to a Saudi court's sentence of six months in jail and 200 lashes for a woman who was gang raped.
"The United States has been far too involved in sort of looking the other way, not only at the atrocities of human rights and violation of women," Huckabee said on CNN's "Late Edition."
"Every time we put our credit card in the gas pump, we're paying so that the Saudis get rich — filthy, obscenely rich, and that money then ends up going to funding madrassas," schools "that train the terrorists," said Huckabee. "America has allowed itself to become enslaved to Saudi oil. It's absurd. It's embarrassing."
Huckabee said "I would make the United States energy independent within 10 years and tell the Saudis they can keep their oil just like they can keep their sand, that we won't need either one of them."
Find the complete story here:
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1687336,00.html?xid=feed-rss-netzero
The former Arkansas governor made the comments following what he suggested was a muted response by the Bush administration to a Saudi court's sentence of six months in jail and 200 lashes for a woman who was gang raped.
"The United States has been far too involved in sort of looking the other way, not only at the atrocities of human rights and violation of women," Huckabee said on CNN's "Late Edition."
"Every time we put our credit card in the gas pump, we're paying so that the Saudis get rich — filthy, obscenely rich, and that money then ends up going to funding madrassas," schools "that train the terrorists," said Huckabee. "America has allowed itself to become enslaved to Saudi oil. It's absurd. It's embarrassing."
Huckabee said "I would make the United States energy independent within 10 years and tell the Saudis they can keep their oil just like they can keep their sand, that we won't need either one of them."
Find the complete story here:
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1687336,00.html?xid=feed-rss-netzero
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Huckabee: Instill hope for future. Support strong families.
By Mike Huckabee
• special to the register
• November 21, 2007
America's greatest generation hasn't come and gone; I believe it is yet to be born. My vision for our country is for all Americans to share that optimism.
To make it a reality, we need capable leadership committed to making America stronger, more unified, more secure and abounding in opportunities for us to realize our dreams. We need leadership that will instill hope in the future for every American family, and I'm prepared to provide that leadership.
Americans deserve better than the partisan gridlock of "horizontal" left-versus-right politics in Washington that has held us back from our full potential. They deserve leaders who will practice "vertical politics" by lifting our country up, not tearing us apart. We must identify common goals for all Americans and work across party lines to achieve those goals the way I did as a Republican governor with a Democrat legislature in Arkansas for 10-plus years.
America's strength is in its people, so America should be a nation that protects and celebrates every life and recognizes that strong families are the foundation of a strong country. Strong families start with a mother and father, but they thrive with leaders who help them build a society where each of us has the tools to succeed and build a healthier, brighter future for our children.
Strong families need better schools with higher standards that incorporate personalized learning to enable every student to master basic skills while also developing their individual talents so they can exceed those higher standards. Government policies should support families who educate their own children, not put up barriers for them. As president, I'll work with the states to raise standards and incorporate programs, like music and arts education, that also teach creativity, a skill vital to succeeding in our economy.
Complete article here:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071121/OPINION01/711210348/1036/Opinion
• special to the register
• November 21, 2007
America's greatest generation hasn't come and gone; I believe it is yet to be born. My vision for our country is for all Americans to share that optimism.
To make it a reality, we need capable leadership committed to making America stronger, more unified, more secure and abounding in opportunities for us to realize our dreams. We need leadership that will instill hope in the future for every American family, and I'm prepared to provide that leadership.
Americans deserve better than the partisan gridlock of "horizontal" left-versus-right politics in Washington that has held us back from our full potential. They deserve leaders who will practice "vertical politics" by lifting our country up, not tearing us apart. We must identify common goals for all Americans and work across party lines to achieve those goals the way I did as a Republican governor with a Democrat legislature in Arkansas for 10-plus years.
America's strength is in its people, so America should be a nation that protects and celebrates every life and recognizes that strong families are the foundation of a strong country. Strong families start with a mother and father, but they thrive with leaders who help them build a society where each of us has the tools to succeed and build a healthier, brighter future for our children.
Strong families need better schools with higher standards that incorporate personalized learning to enable every student to master basic skills while also developing their individual talents so they can exceed those higher standards. Government policies should support families who educate their own children, not put up barriers for them. As president, I'll work with the states to raise standards and incorporate programs, like music and arts education, that also teach creativity, a skill vital to succeeding in our economy.
Complete article here:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071121/OPINION01/711210348/1036/Opinion
Huckabee Makes Crucial Gains Among GOP Base
By JAKE TAPPER
TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 21, 2007
Propelled by little more than his message and political skills, Republican presidential contender former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has vaulted into a statistical dead heat for first place in crucial, first-in-the-nation caucus state Iowa, according to a new ABC News/Washington Post poll.
Huckabee's surge is equal parts size and intensity, having gained considerable ground among key parts of the GOP base in the Hawkeye state — evangelicals, conservatives, weekly churchgoers and abortion opponents — with 50 percent of his supporters "very enthusiastic" about him, compared with 28 percent of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's supporters.
The affable underdog achieved all this on a shoestring budget with little national infrastructure and close to no support from the Republican establishment.
"The people of Iowa are pretty savvy when it comes to politics," Huckabee told ABC News in an interview. "They are folks who, you know, they auction their cattle, but not their presidential candidates. And so just because somebody's gone in there and spent a bunch of money doesn't necessarily mean the people of Iowa say, 'He's my guy.'"
Huckabee, who placed second in the Iowa Straw Poll in August, suggested that for the last "11 months, everybody's been writing my political obituary each month, saying, 'He can't go on, he can't go on, he doesn't have enough money.' And here I am, tied. I mean, that's not supposed to happen. But it's happening because Americans are electing a president, not somebody who's going to head the fundraising for the United Way."
He insisted that with a successful showing in Iowa Jan. 3, he would have sufficient staff "from the momentum of Iowa, through the next few states, in New Hampshire and South Carolina, Michigan and Nevada" to win the nomination.
Finish the article here:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=3894906&page=1
TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 21, 2007
Propelled by little more than his message and political skills, Republican presidential contender former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has vaulted into a statistical dead heat for first place in crucial, first-in-the-nation caucus state Iowa, according to a new ABC News/Washington Post poll.
Huckabee's surge is equal parts size and intensity, having gained considerable ground among key parts of the GOP base in the Hawkeye state — evangelicals, conservatives, weekly churchgoers and abortion opponents — with 50 percent of his supporters "very enthusiastic" about him, compared with 28 percent of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's supporters.
The affable underdog achieved all this on a shoestring budget with little national infrastructure and close to no support from the Republican establishment.
"The people of Iowa are pretty savvy when it comes to politics," Huckabee told ABC News in an interview. "They are folks who, you know, they auction their cattle, but not their presidential candidates. And so just because somebody's gone in there and spent a bunch of money doesn't necessarily mean the people of Iowa say, 'He's my guy.'"
Huckabee, who placed second in the Iowa Straw Poll in August, suggested that for the last "11 months, everybody's been writing my political obituary each month, saying, 'He can't go on, he can't go on, he doesn't have enough money.' And here I am, tied. I mean, that's not supposed to happen. But it's happening because Americans are electing a president, not somebody who's going to head the fundraising for the United Way."
He insisted that with a successful showing in Iowa Jan. 3, he would have sufficient staff "from the momentum of Iowa, through the next few states, in New Hampshire and South Carolina, Michigan and Nevada" to win the nomination.
Finish the article here:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=3894906&page=1
Sunday, November 18, 2007
TN Buck for Huck!!!!
Attention fellow Tennesseans!!
Lets help Gov. Huckabee reach his November Goal by donating "A Buck for Huck".
If we all band together, we can do our part to ensure Gov. Huckabee reaches his goal in November. This can be accomplished if we all donate at least $1. So, come one!, lets get going, and live up to our nickname: The Volunteer State.
Lets help Gov. Huckabee reach his November Goal by donating "A Buck for Huck".
If we all band together, we can do our part to ensure Gov. Huckabee reaches his goal in November. This can be accomplished if we all donate at least $1. So, come one!, lets get going, and live up to our nickname: The Volunteer State.
From Back of G.O.P. Pack, Huckabee Is Stirring
By MICHAEL LUO
Published: November 9, 2007
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Nov. 8 — Mike Huckabee’s field staff had expected a modest crowd for a campaign event at a tiny rural community college near here on Wednesday. But as people began to cram into the shoe-box-size room, campaign organizers scurried to roll back a dividing wall and set up extra chairs.
To the Huckabee campaign, it was another small note in a recent trickle of encouraging moments. His fund-raising is up, the campaign just received its first major Christian conservative endorsement and most of all — to Mr. Huckabee’s obvious delight — opponents are beginning to take potshots at him.
“I’ve always said as a hunter, ‘You never put the cross hairs on a dead carcass,’” Mr. Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, told reporters Wednesday. “You only aim for something that’s alive that you’d like to take home.”
With less than two months until Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses, there are signs that Mr. Huckabee, a former Baptist pastor for whom Bible verses flow easily off the tongue, is charming, quipping and sermonizing his way from a long shot ensconced in the second tier of the Republican presidential sweepstakes to a possible contender here.
Finish the story here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/09/us/politics/09huckabee.html?_r=2&ref=politics&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Published: November 9, 2007
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Nov. 8 — Mike Huckabee’s field staff had expected a modest crowd for a campaign event at a tiny rural community college near here on Wednesday. But as people began to cram into the shoe-box-size room, campaign organizers scurried to roll back a dividing wall and set up extra chairs.
To the Huckabee campaign, it was another small note in a recent trickle of encouraging moments. His fund-raising is up, the campaign just received its first major Christian conservative endorsement and most of all — to Mr. Huckabee’s obvious delight — opponents are beginning to take potshots at him.
“I’ve always said as a hunter, ‘You never put the cross hairs on a dead carcass,’” Mr. Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, told reporters Wednesday. “You only aim for something that’s alive that you’d like to take home.”
With less than two months until Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses, there are signs that Mr. Huckabee, a former Baptist pastor for whom Bible verses flow easily off the tongue, is charming, quipping and sermonizing his way from a long shot ensconced in the second tier of the Republican presidential sweepstakes to a possible contender here.
Finish the story here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/09/us/politics/09huckabee.html?_r=2&ref=politics&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Up and Running again......
I apologize for allowing the website to get behind, but my time has been needed elsewhere for the past month or so; Kids, school, work, family.................
I am way behind on answering emails, sorry. Hopefully I will get caught up over the Thanksgiving Holiday. To those that have sent emails, Thank You!, and you will hear from me soon.
I have received many requests for yard signs, bumper stickers, and other Huckabee items. I have a few(maybe 5 or 6), bumper stickers remaining. I mailed out a bunch a few months back, if you asked for some and did not receive them, please let me know, and I will see what I can do.
I am way behind on answering emails, sorry. Hopefully I will get caught up over the Thanksgiving Holiday. To those that have sent emails, Thank You!, and you will hear from me soon.
I have received many requests for yard signs, bumper stickers, and other Huckabee items. I have a few(maybe 5 or 6), bumper stickers remaining. I mailed out a bunch a few months back, if you asked for some and did not receive them, please let me know, and I will see what I can do.
Chuck Norris' Choice for President
Like most of you, over the summer and into the fall, I've been watching, listening, studying and praying about who could lead this country as our next president.
I won't leave you in suspense. Though Giuliani might be savvy enough to lead people, Fred Thompson wise enough to wade through the tides of politics, McCain tough enough to fight terrorism and Romney business-minded enough to grow our economy, I believe the only one who has all of the characteristics to lead America forward into the future is ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Newt Gingrich called Mike "very effective … if Huckabee can find money, he will be dramatically competitive almost overnight." Bill Clinton called Huckabee the "only dark horse that's got any kind of chance … He's the best speaker they've got." There is even a pro-Huckabee swell rising among the younger generation.
Who he is (before what he can do)
More than anything he has done or can do, however, it is first who Mike is that impresses me most.
Part of our backward culture is reflected in the fact that we measure and value people by what they do, instead of first who they are. As a result, we nominate charisma, cast votes for articulation and repeatedly elect too many paper-thin corrupt politicians. Of course, I want a president who gets things done, but I first want one who has lived a life of integrity, commitment, truthfulness and respect. Mike is that man.
Mike hasn't lived an isolated, out-of-touch life like so many politicians. He was raised in Hope, Ark., with a dad who was a firefighter and always had a second job. Mike and his sister grew up poor, not privileged. He was the first person in his family to graduate from high school. And he worked two jobs in college and graduated in two-and-a-half years. He is an outdoorsman too – an avid fisherman, hunter and a long-term member of the NRA.
Mike is a committed husband and father. He has always prioritized his family before politics. His wife, two sons and daughter speak his highest praise.
Mike has also faced unique adversity, from helping a young wife endure the trials of spinal cancer to aiding the victims of hurricane Katrina as the governor of Arkansas. He has a heart for helping and will fight for the causes of average citizens. He is known for having a compassionate heart, genuinely caring for all people.
Mike is also a respected and fearless leader, and he does not cower to the cries of any majority or minority. He doesn't abandon his values for what's expedient. Like our Founding Fathers, he's not afraid to stand up for a Creator and against secularist beliefs.
A track record toward the presidency
Mike Huckabee has already proven his ability to lead our citizens as a lieutenant governor for three years in 1993 and governor of Arkansas for the following 10 years. Time magazine called him one of the best governors in America.
As governor, Mike led the citizens of Arkansas through difficult conditions. He balanced the budget each year, enhanced technology in commerce, was tough on crime, used tobacco lawsuit monies to better health care, initiated a toll-free hotline to report tips on government corruption and 16 times had to endure the long nights of the soul before he gave permission for executions to proceed. He also initiated the ARKids First program, cutting the number of uninsured children in half.
It's not a coincidence that four out of the last five presidents we've had were governors because they proved their abilities, perseverance and heart for running our country by serving in those state capacities. As New Man men's magazine (July/August 2007) said, "His proven ability to cast a compelling vision, as he did while governor, that transcends party, ideology and class might enable America to unite and begin to heal, an especially important goal at this point in our history."
Where he stands, and what he will do
Mike Huckabee will fight for the issues that lead us safely, and with prosperity, into the future. Here are several of his positions in his own words (to read or watch Mike speak about the issues, click the title)
Reviving healthcare – "The health care system in this country is irrevocably broken. … As president, I will work with the private sector, Congress, health care providers and other concerned parties to lead a complete overhaul of our health care system."
Implementing a FairTax – "I support the FairTax. As governor of Arkansas, I cut taxes and fees almost 100 times, saving the taxpayers almost $380 million. I left a surplus of nearly $850 million, which I urged should go back to the people. Our massive deficit is not due to Americans being under-taxed, but to the government's over-spending."
Creating more choices for education – "I believe that every child should have the opportunity for a quality education that teaches the fundamental skills needed to compete in a global economy. … Test scores rose dramatically when I was governor of Arkansas because of my education reforms."
Stopping illegal immigration –"My number one priority is to secure America's border."
Winning the war on terror – "I believe that we are currently engaged in a world war. This war is not a conventional war, and these terrorists are not a conventional enemy. … With a focus on renewed diplomacy and inclusion, we can accomplish the goals of our nation without having to go it alone."
Saving marriage – "I support, and have consistently supported, passage of a federal constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. … As governor of Arkansas, I led the successful effort to pass a similar state constitutional amendment in 2002."
Protecting the right to life – "I support, and have always supported, passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the right to life."
Achieving energy independence –"The first thing I will do as president is send Congress my comprehensive plan for energy independence. We will achieve energy independence by the end of my second term."
An ordained minister as president?
Does the fact that Mike Huckabee served as an ordained minister create a disadvantage to his election or presidency? Not if one knows Huckabee and history.
First, many may not realize there was an active clergy (Presbyterian minister John Witherspoon) among the signers of the Declaration of Independence – and that two others had been previously ministers. Others were sons of clergy. Virtually all were Protestant Christians.
Signers of the Constitution even included Abraham Baldwin, a minister. "Williamson, Madison, and possibly others, had studied in this field but had never been ordained." And again, most signers of the Constitution were also Protestant Christians, except two, Carroll and Fitzsimons, who were Roman Catholics.
Being honored to share this bi-vocational duty as minister and politician with some of those early patriots, Huckabee has advanced and fine tuned his people and oratory skills. And most of all, it has taught him to put others first. Isn't that what we want in a leader?
Mike is a compassionate Christian conservative. Though solid in his faith and standing for traditional family values, he's not an uncaring extremist. He lives what he believes, and respects others' beliefs even when they disagree with him, committed to a republic that was founded upon the free exercise of religion. In all respects, Huckabee meets our Founders' recommendations for president.
The David among them
The one question that remains is: Can Huckabee win the nomination? The presidency?As with the other candidates, Huckabee has, and will continue to have, his hecklers: "He hasn't raised enough money." "He'll never beat Hillary." "Our society is too prejudice and paranoid to vote for a once Baptist minister." "He'll never out-race the top four Republican candidates."
I was thinking about these types of comments the other day when I recalled another leader in ancient times that didn't match up in the line up: King David. Seven men were poised and paraded for the position of king, but David was left in the field shepherding because he wasn't "a frontrunner in the polls." They overlooked the best because they were too busy judging by outward appearance. But God appointed David king.
It's time to quit choosing our leaders based solely upon charisma or one strong suit, and move back to being a culture which esteems and elects its leaders because of character and qualifications. It's substance, not pizzazz, we should want in a leader. Mike Huckabee is the real deal.
Read the complete story here(Great Magazine!):
http://www.newmanmag.com/newmanreport/2007/11/chuck-norris-my-choice-for-president_06.html
I won't leave you in suspense. Though Giuliani might be savvy enough to lead people, Fred Thompson wise enough to wade through the tides of politics, McCain tough enough to fight terrorism and Romney business-minded enough to grow our economy, I believe the only one who has all of the characteristics to lead America forward into the future is ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Newt Gingrich called Mike "very effective … if Huckabee can find money, he will be dramatically competitive almost overnight." Bill Clinton called Huckabee the "only dark horse that's got any kind of chance … He's the best speaker they've got." There is even a pro-Huckabee swell rising among the younger generation.
Who he is (before what he can do)
More than anything he has done or can do, however, it is first who Mike is that impresses me most.
Part of our backward culture is reflected in the fact that we measure and value people by what they do, instead of first who they are. As a result, we nominate charisma, cast votes for articulation and repeatedly elect too many paper-thin corrupt politicians. Of course, I want a president who gets things done, but I first want one who has lived a life of integrity, commitment, truthfulness and respect. Mike is that man.
Mike hasn't lived an isolated, out-of-touch life like so many politicians. He was raised in Hope, Ark., with a dad who was a firefighter and always had a second job. Mike and his sister grew up poor, not privileged. He was the first person in his family to graduate from high school. And he worked two jobs in college and graduated in two-and-a-half years. He is an outdoorsman too – an avid fisherman, hunter and a long-term member of the NRA.
Mike is a committed husband and father. He has always prioritized his family before politics. His wife, two sons and daughter speak his highest praise.
Mike has also faced unique adversity, from helping a young wife endure the trials of spinal cancer to aiding the victims of hurricane Katrina as the governor of Arkansas. He has a heart for helping and will fight for the causes of average citizens. He is known for having a compassionate heart, genuinely caring for all people.
Mike is also a respected and fearless leader, and he does not cower to the cries of any majority or minority. He doesn't abandon his values for what's expedient. Like our Founding Fathers, he's not afraid to stand up for a Creator and against secularist beliefs.
A track record toward the presidency
Mike Huckabee has already proven his ability to lead our citizens as a lieutenant governor for three years in 1993 and governor of Arkansas for the following 10 years. Time magazine called him one of the best governors in America.
As governor, Mike led the citizens of Arkansas through difficult conditions. He balanced the budget each year, enhanced technology in commerce, was tough on crime, used tobacco lawsuit monies to better health care, initiated a toll-free hotline to report tips on government corruption and 16 times had to endure the long nights of the soul before he gave permission for executions to proceed. He also initiated the ARKids First program, cutting the number of uninsured children in half.
It's not a coincidence that four out of the last five presidents we've had were governors because they proved their abilities, perseverance and heart for running our country by serving in those state capacities. As New Man men's magazine (July/August 2007) said, "His proven ability to cast a compelling vision, as he did while governor, that transcends party, ideology and class might enable America to unite and begin to heal, an especially important goal at this point in our history."
Where he stands, and what he will do
Mike Huckabee will fight for the issues that lead us safely, and with prosperity, into the future. Here are several of his positions in his own words (to read or watch Mike speak about the issues, click the title)
Reviving healthcare – "The health care system in this country is irrevocably broken. … As president, I will work with the private sector, Congress, health care providers and other concerned parties to lead a complete overhaul of our health care system."
Implementing a FairTax – "I support the FairTax. As governor of Arkansas, I cut taxes and fees almost 100 times, saving the taxpayers almost $380 million. I left a surplus of nearly $850 million, which I urged should go back to the people. Our massive deficit is not due to Americans being under-taxed, but to the government's over-spending."
Creating more choices for education – "I believe that every child should have the opportunity for a quality education that teaches the fundamental skills needed to compete in a global economy. … Test scores rose dramatically when I was governor of Arkansas because of my education reforms."
Stopping illegal immigration –"My number one priority is to secure America's border."
Winning the war on terror – "I believe that we are currently engaged in a world war. This war is not a conventional war, and these terrorists are not a conventional enemy. … With a focus on renewed diplomacy and inclusion, we can accomplish the goals of our nation without having to go it alone."
Saving marriage – "I support, and have consistently supported, passage of a federal constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. … As governor of Arkansas, I led the successful effort to pass a similar state constitutional amendment in 2002."
Protecting the right to life – "I support, and have always supported, passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the right to life."
Achieving energy independence –"The first thing I will do as president is send Congress my comprehensive plan for energy independence. We will achieve energy independence by the end of my second term."
An ordained minister as president?
Does the fact that Mike Huckabee served as an ordained minister create a disadvantage to his election or presidency? Not if one knows Huckabee and history.
First, many may not realize there was an active clergy (Presbyterian minister John Witherspoon) among the signers of the Declaration of Independence – and that two others had been previously ministers. Others were sons of clergy. Virtually all were Protestant Christians.
Signers of the Constitution even included Abraham Baldwin, a minister. "Williamson, Madison, and possibly others, had studied in this field but had never been ordained." And again, most signers of the Constitution were also Protestant Christians, except two, Carroll and Fitzsimons, who were Roman Catholics.
Being honored to share this bi-vocational duty as minister and politician with some of those early patriots, Huckabee has advanced and fine tuned his people and oratory skills. And most of all, it has taught him to put others first. Isn't that what we want in a leader?
Mike is a compassionate Christian conservative. Though solid in his faith and standing for traditional family values, he's not an uncaring extremist. He lives what he believes, and respects others' beliefs even when they disagree with him, committed to a republic that was founded upon the free exercise of religion. In all respects, Huckabee meets our Founders' recommendations for president.
The David among them
The one question that remains is: Can Huckabee win the nomination? The presidency?As with the other candidates, Huckabee has, and will continue to have, his hecklers: "He hasn't raised enough money." "He'll never beat Hillary." "Our society is too prejudice and paranoid to vote for a once Baptist minister." "He'll never out-race the top four Republican candidates."
I was thinking about these types of comments the other day when I recalled another leader in ancient times that didn't match up in the line up: King David. Seven men were poised and paraded for the position of king, but David was left in the field shepherding because he wasn't "a frontrunner in the polls." They overlooked the best because they were too busy judging by outward appearance. But God appointed David king.
It's time to quit choosing our leaders based solely upon charisma or one strong suit, and move back to being a culture which esteems and elects its leaders because of character and qualifications. It's substance, not pizzazz, we should want in a leader. Mike Huckabee is the real deal.
Read the complete story here(Great Magazine!):
http://www.newmanmag.com/newmanreport/2007/11/chuck-norris-my-choice-for-president_06.html
Thursday, September 6, 2007
N.H. Debate
Great job in the debate last night for Gov. Huckabee. His candidacy is a breath of fresh air among the usual politicians. I thought he came across very well with his answers, most importantly his fair tax answer.
I am completely turned off by most of the other top candidates. Mitt Romney........fits the mold of the smooth talking politician, does not seem sincere to me. Rudy................did he use the same beginning for every answer? I think so......."When I was"........I just started tuning him out. I was impressed with Sen. Mccain. I think its the best debate he has had in a long time. I love his fiery "wit". He has his issues just as much as any candidate and its hard for me to see him as the nominee.
I also think its time for some of the other candidates to drop out and put their resources behind someone else........hopefully Gov. Huckabee. To all the "lower tier" candidates, do everyone a favor and stop muddying the water. Lets unite and bring a strong candidate to the front. That candidate is Gov. Huckabee.
I apologize for the short post this morning, I have more to say,but I must head off to class. I will close with this. Its time for a change in politics. Its time that we unite as Americans and we need a candidate that offers hope and not the usual doom and gloom politics. That candidate is my candidate, I hope he will soon be OUR candidate. The candidate is Gov. Mike Huckabee. Way to go Gov., lets keep it rolling.
I am completely turned off by most of the other top candidates. Mitt Romney........fits the mold of the smooth talking politician, does not seem sincere to me. Rudy................did he use the same beginning for every answer? I think so......."When I was"........I just started tuning him out. I was impressed with Sen. Mccain. I think its the best debate he has had in a long time. I love his fiery "wit". He has his issues just as much as any candidate and its hard for me to see him as the nominee.
I also think its time for some of the other candidates to drop out and put their resources behind someone else........hopefully Gov. Huckabee. To all the "lower tier" candidates, do everyone a favor and stop muddying the water. Lets unite and bring a strong candidate to the front. That candidate is Gov. Huckabee.
I apologize for the short post this morning, I have more to say,but I must head off to class. I will close with this. Its time for a change in politics. Its time that we unite as Americans and we need a candidate that offers hope and not the usual doom and gloom politics. That candidate is my candidate, I hope he will soon be OUR candidate. The candidate is Gov. Mike Huckabee. Way to go Gov., lets keep it rolling.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Huckabee: "Big Five" Candidate
Gov. Huckabee is included in the top tier of the Republican candidates in this Michael Medved article.
The Worst GOP Field Ever--or the Best?
By Michael Medved
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
If there’s one sentiment that seems to unite desperate Republicans in the run-up to the campaign of 2008 it would seem to be profound discomfort, if not outright disgust, with the current field of Presidential candidates.
I’ve heard literally dozens of demoralized friends and colleagues express their frustration with this crop of contenders in remarkably similar terms. The common mantra usual proclaims that this must count as “the worst group of Republican candidates in all of American history.”
Of course, this grim conclusion raises an obvious question: if this field amounts to the worst clutch of candidates ever, then which year yielded a better array of choices?
Last time (2004) there was no GOP alternative to President Bush. Does this constitute a richer spectrum of choices?
In 2000, the only serious, durable alternative to Bush was Senator McCain – and he’s an alternative once again this time. The other candidates included ego-tripping Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Smith – who, in the style of this year’s Sam Brownback, ran more for attention and publicity than with any real thought of winning anything.
The 2000 race also brought its share of hard-right fringe candidates: Gary Bauer, Alan Keyes, Steve Forbes and Pat Buchanan (Buchanan eventually left the Republican Party to run on the “Reform Party” ticket, garnering a paltry 0.4% of the vote.) At least this year’s angry fringe candidates (Tom Tancredo, Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter) can point to real political experience, having each won many terms in the House of Representatives. When it came to Bauer, Keyes, Forbes and Buchanan eight years ago, as well as the brief campaign of Elizabeth Hanford Dole, none of them had ever won election to public office before. Why would we consider a field full of seasoned political veterans less formidable than a group of stumbling amateurs?
Going back to other recent elections, the struggle for the ’96 nomination came down to Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, columnist Pat Buchanan, and former Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander—with the Buchanan and Alexander campaigns quickly collapsing in the face of Dole’s established position in the party. As in 2000, magazine publisher Steve Forbes and unemployed orator Alan Keyes also tried, without much success, to generate support and other members of the Senate and House (“B-1 Bob” Dornan, Senators Richard Lugar of Indiana and Phil Gramm of Texas) briefly put their names in play before hasty withdrawal. Who, precisely, in that uninspiring field makes it tower over today’s choices of Giuliani, Thompson, Huckabee, Romney and McCain?
Read the full article here:
http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/MichaelMedved/2007/08/29/the_worst_gop_field_ever--or_the_best
The Worst GOP Field Ever--or the Best?
By Michael Medved
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
If there’s one sentiment that seems to unite desperate Republicans in the run-up to the campaign of 2008 it would seem to be profound discomfort, if not outright disgust, with the current field of Presidential candidates.
I’ve heard literally dozens of demoralized friends and colleagues express their frustration with this crop of contenders in remarkably similar terms. The common mantra usual proclaims that this must count as “the worst group of Republican candidates in all of American history.”
Of course, this grim conclusion raises an obvious question: if this field amounts to the worst clutch of candidates ever, then which year yielded a better array of choices?
Last time (2004) there was no GOP alternative to President Bush. Does this constitute a richer spectrum of choices?
In 2000, the only serious, durable alternative to Bush was Senator McCain – and he’s an alternative once again this time. The other candidates included ego-tripping Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Smith – who, in the style of this year’s Sam Brownback, ran more for attention and publicity than with any real thought of winning anything.
The 2000 race also brought its share of hard-right fringe candidates: Gary Bauer, Alan Keyes, Steve Forbes and Pat Buchanan (Buchanan eventually left the Republican Party to run on the “Reform Party” ticket, garnering a paltry 0.4% of the vote.) At least this year’s angry fringe candidates (Tom Tancredo, Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter) can point to real political experience, having each won many terms in the House of Representatives. When it came to Bauer, Keyes, Forbes and Buchanan eight years ago, as well as the brief campaign of Elizabeth Hanford Dole, none of them had ever won election to public office before. Why would we consider a field full of seasoned political veterans less formidable than a group of stumbling amateurs?
Going back to other recent elections, the struggle for the ’96 nomination came down to Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, columnist Pat Buchanan, and former Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander—with the Buchanan and Alexander campaigns quickly collapsing in the face of Dole’s established position in the party. As in 2000, magazine publisher Steve Forbes and unemployed orator Alan Keyes also tried, without much success, to generate support and other members of the Senate and House (“B-1 Bob” Dornan, Senators Richard Lugar of Indiana and Phil Gramm of Texas) briefly put their names in play before hasty withdrawal. Who, precisely, in that uninspiring field makes it tower over today’s choices of Giuliani, Thompson, Huckabee, Romney and McCain?
Read the full article here:
http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/MichaelMedved/2007/08/29/the_worst_gop_field_ever--or_the_best
Sunday, August 26, 2007
York voters embrace rising star Huckabee
York voters embrace rising star Huckabee
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was strolling down York’s Main Street last Tuesday wearing a huge grin on his face.
The Republican presidential hopeful was riding the crest of positive media stories following his better-than-expected showing in the Ames, Iowa, straw poll two weeks ago.
Today, Huckabee is a step closer to being a top-tier GOP presidential candidate, giving his campaign new energy and hope.
In York County, Republicans turned out in large numbers to greet the rising Republican star.
Many have been longing for a candidate — a true conservative — they could back with enthusiasm, and they weren’t happy with the top-tier candidates.
The top three — former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney — are all suspect, some S.C. Republicans think.
And the unhappy Republicans aren’t sure they can trust former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee, expected to jump in the race after Labor Day.
Huckabee walked into the Palmetto Room on York’s Main Street, which was brimming with local Republicans anxious to see the new celebrity and hear what he had to say.
Huckabee wasn’t prepared for the raucous reception he got.
The York Republicans gave Huckabee a hero’s welcome. The applause and cheers were deafening, never seeming to end.
Buoyed by the response, Huckabee charmed his audience for the next 30 minutes with his jokes, down-home personality and resume.
Huckabee also let his listeners know he is a different kind of Republican, one who comes from humble beginnings — a working- class family. His interests and priorities are allied with working people, he said.
In an interview, Huckabee said if Republicans have any hope of winning the election, they have to reach out to voters outside the GOP. “We can’t win without our base (conservative Christians), and we can’t win if all we have is our base.”
Huckabee also said Republicans cannot win the presidency if the party’s interests are aligned more with Wall Street than Main Street.
“I’m convinced if we come across as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wall Street, we’re going to lose. We need to show that we are the party of Main Street America.
“And for that to happen, a candidate has to be somebody who has lived in a place more like York than New York.
“What voters are looking for is somebody they can unite around, and I think we have proven that we could be that candidate.”
Huckabee said his strong showing in Iowa has given his campaign new direction and promise. “People now return our phone calls.”
Huckabee also promised to work hard to win South Carolina’s GOP primary, adding it’s critical to his chances.
Mike Campbell, son of late Gov. Carroll Campbell, predicted the former Arkansas governor will win the GOP nomination.
“We’re going to nail down his nomination in South Carolina,” vowed Campbell, Huckabee’s state co-chairman.
The S.C. Republican primary — the first in the South — is set for January. No one ever has won the GOP nomination without first winning the Palmetto State contest.
“This ought to be about grass-roots,” Huckabee said of the type of campaign he hopes to run in South Carolina.
Since Ames, the Huckabee campaign has seen the number of its financial backers double. His Web site has seen an extra 3.2 million hits.
Ken Dortex, a York official and Huckabee supporter, said he thinks the former Arkansas governor is beginning to pick up S.C. primary voters. “It gets stronger every day.”
Betty and Dick Bartlett were sporting “We Like Mike” T-shirts at Huckabee’s York rally. They had driven from Charlotte to see the candidate. They also had sent out 100 e-mails to friends and neighbors urging them to attend the event.
“The Ames success has given us new life,” Huckabee said. “It certainly has changed the whole process for me.”
Bandy is a retired political writer who covered politics for The State for more than 40 years. Reach him at (803) 771-8648.
Find the story here:
http://www.thestate.com/politics/story/155870.html
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was strolling down York’s Main Street last Tuesday wearing a huge grin on his face.
The Republican presidential hopeful was riding the crest of positive media stories following his better-than-expected showing in the Ames, Iowa, straw poll two weeks ago.
Today, Huckabee is a step closer to being a top-tier GOP presidential candidate, giving his campaign new energy and hope.
In York County, Republicans turned out in large numbers to greet the rising Republican star.
Many have been longing for a candidate — a true conservative — they could back with enthusiasm, and they weren’t happy with the top-tier candidates.
The top three — former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney — are all suspect, some S.C. Republicans think.
And the unhappy Republicans aren’t sure they can trust former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee, expected to jump in the race after Labor Day.
Huckabee walked into the Palmetto Room on York’s Main Street, which was brimming with local Republicans anxious to see the new celebrity and hear what he had to say.
Huckabee wasn’t prepared for the raucous reception he got.
The York Republicans gave Huckabee a hero’s welcome. The applause and cheers were deafening, never seeming to end.
Buoyed by the response, Huckabee charmed his audience for the next 30 minutes with his jokes, down-home personality and resume.
Huckabee also let his listeners know he is a different kind of Republican, one who comes from humble beginnings — a working- class family. His interests and priorities are allied with working people, he said.
In an interview, Huckabee said if Republicans have any hope of winning the election, they have to reach out to voters outside the GOP. “We can’t win without our base (conservative Christians), and we can’t win if all we have is our base.”
Huckabee also said Republicans cannot win the presidency if the party’s interests are aligned more with Wall Street than Main Street.
“I’m convinced if we come across as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wall Street, we’re going to lose. We need to show that we are the party of Main Street America.
“And for that to happen, a candidate has to be somebody who has lived in a place more like York than New York.
“What voters are looking for is somebody they can unite around, and I think we have proven that we could be that candidate.”
Huckabee said his strong showing in Iowa has given his campaign new direction and promise. “People now return our phone calls.”
Huckabee also promised to work hard to win South Carolina’s GOP primary, adding it’s critical to his chances.
Mike Campbell, son of late Gov. Carroll Campbell, predicted the former Arkansas governor will win the GOP nomination.
“We’re going to nail down his nomination in South Carolina,” vowed Campbell, Huckabee’s state co-chairman.
The S.C. Republican primary — the first in the South — is set for January. No one ever has won the GOP nomination without first winning the Palmetto State contest.
“This ought to be about grass-roots,” Huckabee said of the type of campaign he hopes to run in South Carolina.
Since Ames, the Huckabee campaign has seen the number of its financial backers double. His Web site has seen an extra 3.2 million hits.
Ken Dortex, a York official and Huckabee supporter, said he thinks the former Arkansas governor is beginning to pick up S.C. primary voters. “It gets stronger every day.”
Betty and Dick Bartlett were sporting “We Like Mike” T-shirts at Huckabee’s York rally. They had driven from Charlotte to see the candidate. They also had sent out 100 e-mails to friends and neighbors urging them to attend the event.
“The Ames success has given us new life,” Huckabee said. “It certainly has changed the whole process for me.”
Bandy is a retired political writer who covered politics for The State for more than 40 years. Reach him at (803) 771-8648.
Find the story here:
http://www.thestate.com/politics/story/155870.html
Friday, August 24, 2007
Presidential candidate Huckabee to speak at college celebration
Tuesday, 08/21/07
Presidential candidate Huckabee to speak at college celebration
FRANKLIN -- Presidential candidate and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will be the keynote speaker at Williamson Christian College’s 10th anniversary celebration Nov. 5, according to an annoucement from the college.
Huckabee, a Republican, gained traction politically in Iowa on Aug. 11 when he came in second in the Iowa straw poll.
“Gov. Huckabee graduated from Ouachita Baptist University, a private, liberal arts undergraduate college with a mission similar to ours, so he understands the importance and challenges of integrating a faith worldview with academics,” said Kenneth W. Oosting, Ph.D., president of Williamson Christian College.
The event, called A Night at the Museum, will be held at The Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, and will raise funds for the college’s Single Parent Scholarship program and its annual fund.
Williamson Christian College, with headquarters in Cool Springs, offers accredited degree programs for nontraditional students, with a special outreach to single parents.
Find the story here:
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770821028
Presidential candidate Huckabee to speak at college celebration
FRANKLIN -- Presidential candidate and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will be the keynote speaker at Williamson Christian College’s 10th anniversary celebration Nov. 5, according to an annoucement from the college.
Huckabee, a Republican, gained traction politically in Iowa on Aug. 11 when he came in second in the Iowa straw poll.
“Gov. Huckabee graduated from Ouachita Baptist University, a private, liberal arts undergraduate college with a mission similar to ours, so he understands the importance and challenges of integrating a faith worldview with academics,” said Kenneth W. Oosting, Ph.D., president of Williamson Christian College.
The event, called A Night at the Museum, will be held at The Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, and will raise funds for the college’s Single Parent Scholarship program and its annual fund.
Williamson Christian College, with headquarters in Cool Springs, offers accredited degree programs for nontraditional students, with a special outreach to single parents.
Find the story here:
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770821028
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Huckabee woos voters at Kingston gathering
Huckabee woos voters at Kingston gathering
By JENNIFER DEPAUL
Sunday News Correspondent
Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007
KINGSTON – Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee joined about 100 guests at the 1686 House yesterday afternoon for a bowl of New England chowder at an event sponsored by former state senator Russell Prescott.
"The key issue for us is this. People are joining our effort not because it's the conventional wisdom and I am sort of the favorite son of the national media," Republican Presidential hopeful Huckabee said.
"They are joining it because they are saying he is not speaking to me, he is speaking for me and we're going to help him win."
Since last weekend when Huckabee finished second in the Iowa straw poll, he has seen a dramatic increase of support, especially in the Granite State since his last visit six weeks ago.
He had 1,000 new contributors within 72 hours of the poll. In the past week alone, his Web site has seen 3.4 million hits.
Read the complete story here:
http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Huckabee+woos+voters+at+Kingston+gathering&articleId=2c9bca7b-883f-4584-8c0a-d4c401f3abf0
By JENNIFER DEPAUL
Sunday News Correspondent
Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007
KINGSTON – Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee joined about 100 guests at the 1686 House yesterday afternoon for a bowl of New England chowder at an event sponsored by former state senator Russell Prescott.
"The key issue for us is this. People are joining our effort not because it's the conventional wisdom and I am sort of the favorite son of the national media," Republican Presidential hopeful Huckabee said.
"They are joining it because they are saying he is not speaking to me, he is speaking for me and we're going to help him win."
Since last weekend when Huckabee finished second in the Iowa straw poll, he has seen a dramatic increase of support, especially in the Granite State since his last visit six weeks ago.
He had 1,000 new contributors within 72 hours of the poll. In the past week alone, his Web site has seen 3.4 million hits.
Read the complete story here:
http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Huckabee+woos+voters+at+Kingston+gathering&articleId=2c9bca7b-883f-4584-8c0a-d4c401f3abf0
Gov. Huckabee holding his own
Take a look at the latest from Rasmussen. Gov. Huckabee is holding his own against both Sen Clinton and Sen. Obama. Lets get Gov. Huckabee to the front!!
Rasmussen Reports
Survey of 1,200 Likely VotersAugust 17-19, 2007
Mike Huckabee (R) vs. Hillary Clinton (D)
Mike Huckabee (R)
41%
Hillary Clinton (D)
49%
Mike Huckabee (R) vs. Barack Obama (D)
Mike Huckabee (R)
39%
Barack Obama (D)
48%
Rasmussen Reports
Survey of 1,200 Likely VotersAugust 17-19, 2007
Mike Huckabee (R) vs. Hillary Clinton (D)
Mike Huckabee (R)
41%
Hillary Clinton (D)
49%
Mike Huckabee (R) vs. Barack Obama (D)
Mike Huckabee (R)
39%
Barack Obama (D)
48%
The sound of music (and arts)
Globe Editorial
The sound of music (and arts)
August 23, 2007
MIKE HUCKABEE seems like just another nice-guy Republican pitching his conservative credentials in the presidential race. But when the former Arkansas governor starts talking about the importance of the arts and education, he's practically Maria von Trapp harmonizing about the power of music and metaphor.
Huckabee calls the arts and music "weapons of mass instruction." If education touches only one side of the brain, he recently told the Globe editorial board, then it's just "a data download." Rather, schools should use art and music to develop both the left and right sides of students' brains, and to translate and transmit culture.
For Huckabee the issue is personal and political. In 1966, his parents scraped together $99 to buy his first guitar. Today, he is in a band, Capitol Offense, that performed at the recent Iowa straw poll, where Huckabee came in a campaign-boosting second behind former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.
Huckabee's policy point is that schools can and should provide a rigorous arts education even amid the demands of the No Child Left Behind Act. The federal law has sent many school districts scrambling to help students increase their math and English skills in order to pass state tests. But the law also defines the arts as a core subject in which states should have challenging standards. And an NCLB grant program provides funds that school districts can use to develop arts programming or assessment tools.
But since there's no high-stakes testing in the arts, many school districts shrink arts instruction. This creates a negative domino effect. For example, students who don't learn to read music in grade school aren't prepared to play in the high school band.
Huckabee's home state of Arkansas offers evidence of what can be done. A 2005 state law requires elementary schools to offer 40 minutes per week of music and art. The state's high schools are required to offer fine arts courses, including visual arts, music, and dance. To graduate from high school, students are required to take half a year of one of these.
There have also been challenges, such as finding enough art teachers who are certified. Superintendents have complained that there was no dedicated state funding to implement these programs.
The next president could address these issues, calling for a bigger federal investment in state efforts and asking states to do more basic assessments, such as measuring hours of arts instruction, numbers and types of arts classes offered, and numbers of qualified teachers.
Regardless of how the Republican presidential contest plays out, Huckabee is right to bring attention to art and music. The right side of the brain is a terrible thing to waste.
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
Find the story here:
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2007/08/23/the_sound_of_music_and_arts/
The sound of music (and arts)
August 23, 2007
MIKE HUCKABEE seems like just another nice-guy Republican pitching his conservative credentials in the presidential race. But when the former Arkansas governor starts talking about the importance of the arts and education, he's practically Maria von Trapp harmonizing about the power of music and metaphor.
Huckabee calls the arts and music "weapons of mass instruction." If education touches only one side of the brain, he recently told the Globe editorial board, then it's just "a data download." Rather, schools should use art and music to develop both the left and right sides of students' brains, and to translate and transmit culture.
For Huckabee the issue is personal and political. In 1966, his parents scraped together $99 to buy his first guitar. Today, he is in a band, Capitol Offense, that performed at the recent Iowa straw poll, where Huckabee came in a campaign-boosting second behind former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.
Huckabee's policy point is that schools can and should provide a rigorous arts education even amid the demands of the No Child Left Behind Act. The federal law has sent many school districts scrambling to help students increase their math and English skills in order to pass state tests. But the law also defines the arts as a core subject in which states should have challenging standards. And an NCLB grant program provides funds that school districts can use to develop arts programming or assessment tools.
But since there's no high-stakes testing in the arts, many school districts shrink arts instruction. This creates a negative domino effect. For example, students who don't learn to read music in grade school aren't prepared to play in the high school band.
Huckabee's home state of Arkansas offers evidence of what can be done. A 2005 state law requires elementary schools to offer 40 minutes per week of music and art. The state's high schools are required to offer fine arts courses, including visual arts, music, and dance. To graduate from high school, students are required to take half a year of one of these.
There have also been challenges, such as finding enough art teachers who are certified. Superintendents have complained that there was no dedicated state funding to implement these programs.
The next president could address these issues, calling for a bigger federal investment in state efforts and asking states to do more basic assessments, such as measuring hours of arts instruction, numbers and types of arts classes offered, and numbers of qualified teachers.
Regardless of how the Republican presidential contest plays out, Huckabee is right to bring attention to art and music. The right side of the brain is a terrible thing to waste.
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
Find the story here:
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2007/08/23/the_sound_of_music_and_arts/
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Why do I like Mike?
Why do I like Mike?
I like Mike because he shares the same family values that I do. He indentifies with me in my efforts to work, raise a family and attend college full time. He knows, because he has been there before. Attending seminary, pastoring a small church and having small children. What better candidate to support than one that has been in my shoes?
I like Mike because he stands for what he believes in. Great convictions......unwavering. He doesn't change like the weather or to adapt to the current polls. I can believe what he says.
I like Mike because he is a true Conservative. He will stand up for our Conservative values.
I like Mike because I am tired of the negative, doom and gloom politics. Its time for someone with a sense of humor and a sense of hope to step to the front. That someone is Mike Huckabee.
My fellow Tennesseans, I ask you to join me in my efforts to propel Gov. Mike Huckabee to the front, not only in our great state, but also all across the nation. If you would like to join the effort, please visit the links on the right side of the page.
If you would like to add to "Why I like Mike", suggest a news story about Gov. Huckabee, write a Post for Tennessee for Huckabee or join our email list please contact me at tnconservative@gmail.com .
Thanks and God Bless.
Tennessee for Mike Huckabee
I like Mike because he shares the same family values that I do. He indentifies with me in my efforts to work, raise a family and attend college full time. He knows, because he has been there before. Attending seminary, pastoring a small church and having small children. What better candidate to support than one that has been in my shoes?
I like Mike because he stands for what he believes in. Great convictions......unwavering. He doesn't change like the weather or to adapt to the current polls. I can believe what he says.
I like Mike because he is a true Conservative. He will stand up for our Conservative values.
I like Mike because I am tired of the negative, doom and gloom politics. Its time for someone with a sense of humor and a sense of hope to step to the front. That someone is Mike Huckabee.
My fellow Tennesseans, I ask you to join me in my efforts to propel Gov. Mike Huckabee to the front, not only in our great state, but also all across the nation. If you would like to join the effort, please visit the links on the right side of the page.
If you would like to add to "Why I like Mike", suggest a news story about Gov. Huckabee, write a Post for Tennessee for Huckabee or join our email list please contact me at tnconservative@gmail.com .
Thanks and God Bless.
Tennessee for Mike Huckabee
Huckabee: a Republican who can lead us back home
Huckabee: a Republican who can lead us back home
James P. Pinkerton
August 21, 2007
Let's compare Mike Huckabee to some of the other presidential candidates.
The former governor of Arkansas is not as rich or handsome as fellow Republican Mitt Romney, nor is he as heroic and tortured as John McCain. And he's certainly not as intense and operatic as Rudy Giuliani.
As for the top Democrats, Huckabee is not nearly as careful and calculating as Hillary Rodham Clinton. Nor is he as dashing and Bobby Kennedy-like as Barack Obama. And he's nowhere near as shiny and pretty as John Edwards. And he certainly doesn't talk as much as Joe Biden.
In an interview, Huckabee comes across as a nice guy, even after 15 years in politics, including 10 years as chief executive of the Razorback State. But don't just take my word for it: David Broder, the veteran columnist, calls him "friendly, down-home," and Steve Kornacki, writing in The New York Observer, describes him as "warm and personable."
Huckabee's warmth extends even to Bill and Hillary Clinton: "You know, I've never hated the Clintons," he told National Public Radio. Huckabee went on to say that Bill "made a lot of mistakes - a lot of personal ones," but noted that Clinton had risen up from a "dysfunctional family" to two terms in the White House.
Read the complete article here:
http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-oppin215339883aug21,0,6847992.column
James P. Pinkerton
August 21, 2007
Let's compare Mike Huckabee to some of the other presidential candidates.
The former governor of Arkansas is not as rich or handsome as fellow Republican Mitt Romney, nor is he as heroic and tortured as John McCain. And he's certainly not as intense and operatic as Rudy Giuliani.
As for the top Democrats, Huckabee is not nearly as careful and calculating as Hillary Rodham Clinton. Nor is he as dashing and Bobby Kennedy-like as Barack Obama. And he's nowhere near as shiny and pretty as John Edwards. And he certainly doesn't talk as much as Joe Biden.
In an interview, Huckabee comes across as a nice guy, even after 15 years in politics, including 10 years as chief executive of the Razorback State. But don't just take my word for it: David Broder, the veteran columnist, calls him "friendly, down-home," and Steve Kornacki, writing in The New York Observer, describes him as "warm and personable."
Huckabee's warmth extends even to Bill and Hillary Clinton: "You know, I've never hated the Clintons," he told National Public Radio. Huckabee went on to say that Bill "made a lot of mistakes - a lot of personal ones," but noted that Clinton had risen up from a "dysfunctional family" to two terms in the White House.
Read the complete article here:
http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-oppin215339883aug21,0,6847992.column
Great article from New Man magazine
Gov. Huckabee is on the cover of the current issue of New Man magazine. It includes a great feature on the best candidate for President in 2008..............Mike Huckabee.
Check out the article here:
http://www.newmanmag.com/display.php?id=15370
Check out the article here:
http://www.newmanmag.com/display.php?id=15370
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Next Huckabee Surprise
The Next Huckabee Surprise?
By David S. Broder
Sunday, August 19, 2007; Page B07
Buoyed by his surprise second-place finish in the Iowa Republican straw poll, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is plotting an even bigger coup against Mitt Romney in the first presidential primary, in New Hampshire.
His inspiration for the audacious plot comes from two unlikely people: Pat Buchanan and Bill Clinton
Clinton, the original man from Hope, Ark., Huckabee's home town, was no better known to New Hampshire voters in the autumn of 1991 than Huckabee is today, while Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, leads the Granite State field. But, despite the Gennifer Flowers and draft-dodging scandals that plagued his campaign there, Clinton won enough friends to finish second in New Hampshire to 1992's neighboring candidate, former Massachusetts senator Paul Tsongas.
Thanks to New Hampshire, Clinton proclaimed himself the "comeback kid" and went on to thrash Tsongas in the follow-up contests in Florida, Georgia and the rest of the South.
Huckabee figures that if he can just get past Romney in New Hampshire, he can do the same thing to him when the 2008 battle shifts south to Florida and South Carolina in January.
Read the complete story here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR2007081701687.html?hpid=opinionsbox2
By David S. Broder
Sunday, August 19, 2007; Page B07
Buoyed by his surprise second-place finish in the Iowa Republican straw poll, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is plotting an even bigger coup against Mitt Romney in the first presidential primary, in New Hampshire.
His inspiration for the audacious plot comes from two unlikely people: Pat Buchanan and Bill Clinton
Clinton, the original man from Hope, Ark., Huckabee's home town, was no better known to New Hampshire voters in the autumn of 1991 than Huckabee is today, while Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, leads the Granite State field. But, despite the Gennifer Flowers and draft-dodging scandals that plagued his campaign there, Clinton won enough friends to finish second in New Hampshire to 1992's neighboring candidate, former Massachusetts senator Paul Tsongas.
Thanks to New Hampshire, Clinton proclaimed himself the "comeback kid" and went on to thrash Tsongas in the follow-up contests in Florida, Georgia and the rest of the South.
Huckabee figures that if he can just get past Romney in New Hampshire, he can do the same thing to him when the 2008 battle shifts south to Florida and South Carolina in January.
Read the complete story here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR2007081701687.html?hpid=opinionsbox2
Huckabee: More to show for himself than Romney?
Huckabee: More to show for himself than Romney?
August 13, 2007
Huckabee: More to show for himself than Romney? by Rick Pearson and John McCormick
AMES, Iowa -- In the aftermath of the Iowa Republican Party's straw poll, the No. 2 candidate -- former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee -- may have more to show for himself than the front-runner, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. While far well outspent by Romney in the party contest, Huckabee still managed to attract a sizeable showing of support in Ames. And, another way to look at the results -- considering the fact that the party's longtime heavyweights, Rudy Giuliani and John McCain, weren't participating in the straw poll -- is how many of the 14,000 Iowans voting cast their ballots for someone other than Romney.
Check out the rest: http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2007/08/huckabee_more_to_show_for_hims.html
August 13, 2007
Huckabee: More to show for himself than Romney? by Rick Pearson and John McCormick
AMES, Iowa -- In the aftermath of the Iowa Republican Party's straw poll, the No. 2 candidate -- former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee -- may have more to show for himself than the front-runner, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. While far well outspent by Romney in the party contest, Huckabee still managed to attract a sizeable showing of support in Ames. And, another way to look at the results -- considering the fact that the party's longtime heavyweights, Rudy Giuliani and John McCain, weren't participating in the straw poll -- is how many of the 14,000 Iowans voting cast their ballots for someone other than Romney.
Check out the rest: http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2007/08/huckabee_more_to_show_for_hims.html
Huckabee finally breaks out fightin' words
Huckabee finally breaks out fightin' words
By: Jonathan Martin Aug 21, 2007 06:24 AM EST
MANCHESTER, N.H. – What success Mike Huckabee has found as a presidential candidate stems largely from his homespun charm – a folksy populism that gets heads nodding when he muses about the Lava soap his skin had to endure during a childhood filled with more want than wealth. But if the former Arkansas governor wants to find greater success and become a first-tier player in the Republican primary race, he faces having to turn his wise-cracking image on its head and start trying to turn attack dog. And that transformation has already begun. Without naming names, Huckabee is using his second-place finish at the Iowa GOP’s straw poll Aug. 11 to take aim at Mitt Romney, the winner at Ames.
In media appearances and on the stump, the normally sunny Huckabee is using barbed language to portray Romney as a politically expedient and wealthy spendthrift who can’t relate to the day-to-day problems of average Americans. “Here's a guy who didn't just become pro-life to run for president," Huckabee said of himself at a dinner of 100 Republicans gathered here last week for spaghetti and meatballs and political rhetoric. "Here's a guy who didn't just read the latest issue of NRA magazine and decide he's going to be for the Second Amendment." In an interview after his first Granite State appearance since his surprising showing in Iowa, Huckabee also mounted a fiscal critique of Romney, a multimillionaire former CEO who has already put $9 million of his own money into the race.
Read the full story here:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0807/5462.html
By: Jonathan Martin Aug 21, 2007 06:24 AM EST
MANCHESTER, N.H. – What success Mike Huckabee has found as a presidential candidate stems largely from his homespun charm – a folksy populism that gets heads nodding when he muses about the Lava soap his skin had to endure during a childhood filled with more want than wealth. But if the former Arkansas governor wants to find greater success and become a first-tier player in the Republican primary race, he faces having to turn his wise-cracking image on its head and start trying to turn attack dog. And that transformation has already begun. Without naming names, Huckabee is using his second-place finish at the Iowa GOP’s straw poll Aug. 11 to take aim at Mitt Romney, the winner at Ames.
In media appearances and on the stump, the normally sunny Huckabee is using barbed language to portray Romney as a politically expedient and wealthy spendthrift who can’t relate to the day-to-day problems of average Americans. “Here's a guy who didn't just become pro-life to run for president," Huckabee said of himself at a dinner of 100 Republicans gathered here last week for spaghetti and meatballs and political rhetoric. "Here's a guy who didn't just read the latest issue of NRA magazine and decide he's going to be for the Second Amendment." In an interview after his first Granite State appearance since his surprising showing in Iowa, Huckabee also mounted a fiscal critique of Romney, a multimillionaire former CEO who has already put $9 million of his own money into the race.
Read the full story here:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0807/5462.html
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