The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

Huckabee has advocated prenatal care for pregnant immigrants and has proposed a scholarship program for illegal immigrants who graduate from Arkansas high schools (Arkansas News Bureau). He also criticized a 2005 federal immigration raid (AP) in Arkansas. Huckabee has expressed support for amnesty for illegal immigrants under some conditions.

http://www.cfr.org/bios/13301/mike_huckabee.html

One of the many reasons I am supporting, and have publicly endorsed Ron Paul.

I thought Mike's attempt to help Rudy on the Bible question was condescending. I do not want a preacher of the United States. I want a president. If we go by religious values alone, Jimmy Carter beats Regan hands down. Mike appears to be a nice guy, so does Jimmy Carter. Google Huckabee and ethics or Huckabee and Jesus juice.

A Baptist minister, Huckabee singled out Holt, also a Christian. Said the governor: "I drink a different kind of Jesus juice."

I am not a Huckabee basher, but he is not presidential caliber. My first choice is Newt Gingrich (possibly someones VP?),coming in second are Romney and Tancredo.

Those who want Huckabee because they drink his kind of "Jesus juice" really need to look beyond that. Do your own real homework and do not be taken in by this guy.

There is something too fishy about Huck's Iowa 'success'. He's only raised $1M this Q so far. This doesn't square with 24% or the straw poll. I think the CFR has gotten hold of Huck and is now promoting him.

My husband's troubles have forced him to spend considerable time away from Arkansas, so he may or may not know what he's talking about. He does love my crab rangoon, though.

It's so obvious that Huckabee is the number 2 darling of MSM, especially FoxNews. I have nothing whatsoever against religious people, but I am very much against hypocrites. It looks as if Giuliani and Huckabee are in this thing together, or maybe it's just the media recognizing that Huckabee taking some Romney votes away in Iowa helps hold down the Romney momentum. I've read enough about Huckabee, and heard out of his own mouth enough to know I don't trust this guy any more than I do Rudy. I believe Mitt Romney would make a great President. He has the background, the values/ethics, and the brainpower to be a great President. If this country is truly the country our forefathers hoped and dreamed of, his being LDS should not hurt him.. In fact, it may end up helping him because he lives his beliefs, unlike almost every other candidate I can think of.

Bettybb, I totally agree with you, "Bottom line, Huckabee is not electable no matter how charming."

And I think he is fully aware that he is not electable.

But what a convenient way for him and his wife to solicit more "contributions" from the gullible whom are so enamored with his "charm."

Even us "hillbillies" in Arkansas figured that out pretty quickly.

Bottom line, Huckabee is not electable no matter how charming.

He is an evangelical, and after Bush, the only people in the country who will vote for an evangelical are evangelicals.

He is wrong on the most important issue, illegal immigration.

He is a hypocrite in his pesonal life.

His track record of sleeze in AZ is extensive, ie while still in Gov. Mansion, packing gov furniture and saying because they used it it was theirs, also registered as "newly weds" at Target so supports could help furnish new home... stuff like that that will not play well.

@manwaringjd:

If you punch in "Huckabee", "ethics", and "Arkansas" into GOOGLE, you will find many reputable reports about the Huckabee travesties while Governor of my home state of Arkansas (that's AR, not AK).

Folks "REALLY" interested in Huckabee's background in politics can read for themselves, do some research, and then vote for Huckabee despite his inherent dishonesty . . . just because he is a "preacher."

In my opinion, a man who steals furniture from the State House; a man who frees a convicted rapist (who goes on to rape and murder again); a man who pockets campaign funds, a man who uses taxpayer-supplied equipment for his PERSONAL use; a man who DESTROYS State of Arkansas computers to hide the depth of his crookedness; a man who encourages his "wife" to set up a "bridal registry" to scam Arkansas citizens to contribute thousands of dollars to her; and on and on . . . that "man" is nothing more than a criminal hiding behind the convenient label, "Baptist Preacher".

Sometimes I think the list of corrupt "preachers" might even be longer than the list of corrupt "politicians."

This country has had enough corruption, lying, deceit, arrogance, and self-enrichment in the White House by people claiming to be "religious."

We do NOT need another charlatan empowered to steal anything that is not literally bolted down.

AND, we don't need Hillary either.

DocChuck, I think you are on the right track. If you could share in more detail what you saw coming from the Governor's office in AR....it would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry, jlolo, but I have no desire to "fool you". And, I don't have any desire to give myself "credibility" in your eyes. My Ph.D.s in education and in psychology have helped me to refrain from using blinders when it comes to politicians.

And, NO, I don't feel the need or the desire to "try another apporach" (sic). My only "approach" is a statement of facts about the numerous ethics "lapses" that plagued Huckabee and his wife while he was governor of Arkansas (that's AR, not AK, jlolo . . . I don't know what service the Huckster rendered to the State of Alaska).

Finally, I have no desire to fool "those with . . . common sense." I only have a desire to educate those who are so woefully uninformed and/or blinded by religious zeal. To me, honesty and ethical behavior are among the important "issues" whether or not that pleases you.

Sorry! I think I will NOT "try another approach," but will actually intensify my efforts to expose Huckabee and his total lack of ethics.

Mike Huckabee has all the momentum, now he just needs a bit more funds to win. That's why I'm donating $100 for Children's Day, November 20th. Will you join me? Together we can win.

http://Nov20ForTheChildren.com

For anyone who truly wants to see Hillary defeated
READ THIS ARTICLE--This guy totally on target
Newsweek: The GOP's Best Bet?
Hope and a common touch: reasons to like Mike Huckabee
November 15, 2007
By Jonathan Alter
Newsweek Web Exclusive
Go Governor HUCK!!!!!!!!!!

DocChuck, I don't believe you are who you say you are. No 65 year old writes like that...sorry, but you can't fool me. Your whole story just sounds so made up in order to give yourself "credibility." Your attacks on Huck are clearly made to discredit him. But anyone who knows him KNOWS the truth of his proven character, competence and service to the people of AK.

You are quite allowed to disagree on his political positions...but it becomes quite clear that you are just trying to smear his name when you start going after his character...and not the true issues at hand. Those with any common sense won't be fooled by your slanders. Sorry! Maybe you should try another apporach...like actually discussing some of the issues?

First, please stop repeating the false claim that Huck's bill was for the "children of illegal immigrants". It was for potential students who **themselves were illegal aliens**. Their parents' status wasn't involved, and could be legal or illegal.

And, don't expect either Hannity or Colmes to really get into Huck's immigration weaknesses. This is just the tip of the iceberg:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Dp7FaKIJo

Bethdavidson wrote: "Well, first of all - when in doubt... attack him for being a preacher. That's distasteful and disgusting . . . "

I'm sorry, but that's NOT distasteful OR disgusting to me. I am sick and tired of charlatans, thieves, and perverts hiding behind the label "preacher."

Bethdavidson, I am a native Arkansan and lived most of my 65 years in the great state of Arkansas. I know the Huckster pretty doggone well (as I was a FORMER Republican who met and talked with the Huckster several times).

People like Huckster, Bush and other bible-thumping zealots forced me (in good conscience) to sever all ties (financial and otherwise) with the Republican right-wingers.

Huckabee was investigated many times while governor of Arkansas . . . he was found guilty of ethics violations numerous times. Even his wife attempted to con the public in enriching their "pious" agenda while he was governor.

The Huckabees are just more bible-beating charlatans attempting to use "religion" to enrich their public-trough-feeding habits.

In your own words . . . "that's distasteful and disgusting"!

Wait until the national media figure out that many Clinton and Jim Guy Tucker agency heads were retained by Huck for his entire term of office as governor.

Highway Department, Parks and Tourism, Department of Finance and Administration are just a few. Huck kept the Clinton people.

When incoming Governor Beebe was asked why he was keeping so many people from Huck's administration, his spokesman said "They arn't Huckabee people, they are Clinton people."

Can you imagine if Bush kept Janet Reno as AG?

Wait until the national media figure out that Huckabee set up 2 "non-profits" to raise money from special interest groups regulated by the state so the "non-profit" could pay him to give speeches out of state.

The lists are still secret. Secret contributions that went right into Hucks pocket. How honest is that?

Wait until the national media figure out that Huck supported driver's licenses if ILLEGAL aliens.

Something so left wing that Hillary had to flip flop on it and Huck supports it.

Huckabee and his minions LIE. He cut taxes 94 times? Maybe, but only if you consider some tax exemption for the girl scouts that reduced revenues by $4 thousand dollars as one tax cut, and then say yes he raised taxes once also, a $400 million sales tax increase.

According to Huck, he has one tax cut, and one tax increase. If you take the total value of ALL tax changes, up and down, the result you get is a huge tax increase. Huck broke all of Bill Clinton's tax and spending records.

Well, first of all - when in doubt... attack him for being a preacher. That's distasteful and disgusting - unless you're one of the 700 who sell out basic principles for perceived electability.

Secondly - someone pointed out the inaccuracy between the report and the interview... which was a correct and important point. I guess billions of dollars CAN buy you a state-of-the-art spin machine... but it won't spin lies into truth.

Finally - the thing I like about Huck is the resounding message that each life has intrinsic value. Every other issue in today's politics could be wrapped up in that one principle. For instance, you can say you're pro-life... but do you only value the life of a fetus? And an Apple Pie fetus at that? If you're anti-war... because you value lives of our sons and daughters who are dying, do you not equally value the lives of women and children who are persecuted in radical countries? "Every life has an intrinsic value..." and we have to think about that as we are making policies that has the potential to nurture or destroy that life.

Whether you believe Jesus is the Christ or just a really cool dude with a great message, you have to understand that when someone declares that life has value - that belief has to be modeled in their behavior at all costs... or else, you're just another politician.

I may not agree with Huckabee on every issue - but I sincerely believe that he values every single human life - and that will be the driving force behind his policies. With that in mind - I think we'll ALL be able to FINALLY find some common ground and defeat terrorism with UNITY. One mind, one accord. And yes... he is a darned nice guy. Your point?

For a preacher, this guy sure is being caught in a lot of lies. Seems like everytime he responds to a tough question, he just lies about it. Why is no one asking him about the 12 ethics violations he encountered as Governor, and the 5 he was convicted of? This guy is just a spoiler that will work to Giuliani's favor. FoxNews pushes this guy every chance they get because the owner of FoxNews is a very close friend of Giuliani, and they know Rudy can't compete with Romney in Iowa, so they push Huckabee.

Lets see now, the democratic candidates are mean sprited and will ruin the country. Hmmm, as we sit for hours on this runway due to the reagan destroyed atc system and I listen to CNN telling me how many more have died for another republican war for profit I can't help but wonder how any supposedly intelligent person can admit to supporting such a list of proven crimminals. The only answer I can imagine is that their morality was erased with 18 minutes of tape and several million incriminating e-mails. Hope your God forgives you for mine surely wont. Hmmm, now how am I supposed to say Mensa member and silver star winner in spanish there Bush fans???

What everyone in Arkansas knows (and America should know) is that Club For Growth is trying to slam Mike Huckabee because of a personal vendetta by wealthy Arkansas and CFG main money man Jackson (Steve) Stephens Jr. . Mr. Huckabee wouldn't go along with Stephens on some legislation back in about 2002 and Stephens has made CFG the vehicle for his personal smear campaign. Also, Stephens was one of Bill Clinton's biggest financial supporters in his political career. If it sounds fishy, it is!

Mike Huckabee is the best candidate -- despite the Club for Growth's campaign against him. It's true that CFG is more Libertarian than Conservative. They don't believe in ANY tax increases - even for infrastructure or to benefit poor children - even after Gov. Huckabee CUT taxes 94 times!

I watched the interview in question on video. He didn't say the tax hike was ordered by the state's supreme court - he said improvements to the state's education system were ordered by the state's supreme court and that he was not opposed to a tax hike to accomplish it because he had already lowered taxes over 90 times. That is really a quite different statement than what the conservative club for growth reported. Accuracy is most important.

I find it so cute that Huckabee's supporters think he should be immune to scrutiny because he's such a darned nice guy, but that just isn't realistic. Mitt and Rudy have been around for a long time taking a lot of hits and still staying on top. They have already proven formidable. Huckabee has been swimming in the shallow end for a while now and shouldn't be surprised that he has to kick a little harder when he goes over to the deep end of the pool. If you support Huckabee, talk about the issues, not how mean the other kids on the playground are. You're not doing Huck any favors by making him seem weak.

I think it's telling that the first comment here is a Huckabee supporter who is personally attacking the author of this article.

Barrack Hussein Obama and/or Hillary Clinton CANNOT beat Huckabee! If Huckabee takes Iowa it will propel him to the nomination. He is 'Reaganesque': a great communicator, an iconic optimist and a strong former governor. He is also 'Lincolnesque': frugal beginnings, a great visionary, and a man who stands on his convictions, no matter what.

'Flip Flop Romney' will say anything to get elected.

HUCKAPPEAL!

The 'Club for Greed' sees everything as if through the eyes of an accountant, irregardless of the kid on the steps of the hospital or the university whose parents cant afford healthcare or tuition.

I Like Mike

Barrack Hussein Obama and/or Hillary Clinton CANNOT beat Huckabee? He is 'Reaganesque': a great communicator, iconic optimist and strong former governor. He is also 'Lincolnesque': frugal beginnings, a great visionary, and a man stands on his convictions, no matter what.

'Flip Flop Romney' will say anything to get elected. HUCKAPPEAL!

The 'Club for Greed' sees everything as if through the eyes of an accountant, irregardless of the kid on the steps of the hospital or the university whose parents cant afford healthcare or university tuition.

I Like Mike!

The democrats will underestimate likeability to their own peril. The mean smug, condescending, know it all types are why the Democrats keep losing ...Bill Clinton was the only one of them that was ever likeable enough to win-I have to give him credit(although I didn't vote for him). My mom and Dad live in Ark..told me about Huckabee ..I thought his name and his lack of $ backing word hurt him ...but I am realizing those liablities are turing into assets-- peope are sick of the smug condescending types and if you trace it back ..alot of people vote on likeability.. People in politics who like to call names and brand people who disagee with them-will find that this will backfire on them(some democrats(see rolling stone article- VERY MEAN SPIRITED) They would have been a great catholics back in the day- watch the MSM go on a witch hunt because he was a pastor...they will try to do their brand job and overlook that he was a Governor for 10 years!!!!! Longer than Hillary or Barack have been in office.
Go governor Huck!

The writer's name should be Michael D. Smear. If that's the worst they can do to Governor Huckabee, he should be in pretty good shape.