He's finally getting money in the bank, and his grassroots movement has exploded this week, after his strong weekend at the debate and the FRC forum.  He's almost raised as much money just online this month as he did during the entire 3rd quarter from all sources.  

I know the Ron Paul nutbags will be on here touting that Paul has raised 10 times as much.  Regardless, it's a very big deal for Huckabee...and he's risen steadily in the polls each week despite not having money.  Now that he's finally getting money...he could be unstoppable.  

Huckabee is posting some great numbers. In today's Rasmussen NH poll, he is in double-digits, far ahead of Thompson. Link: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2007/10/morning-polls-clinton-solid-in-new.html

I'm liking Huckabee more than anything else we have to choose from, but I'd like to know if he's really in favor of this CO2 cap and trade garbage. I don't see it mentioned on his web site.

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To Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Monta and the entire First Read crew.

Please insert the next and previous navigator buttons at the top of the comments, as well as at the bottom to make the navigation of the comments easier.

Huckabee! Next stop is.. Huckabee.

Delusional idiots will please disembark at...Huckabee.

I like Huckabee as well!!

http://mengbomin.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/disingenuous-spin-from-the-clinton-camp/

Gomer Pyle is a big government republican. He won't win the nomination

This nutbag respects you, no matter what candidate you support, you have to be blind to be divided by politics when at the end, whoever wins will screw you equally, that's why I support ron paul, a real leader, who obeys the constitution everyone else ignores

uh, oh, a TV ad, look out, it's a media black out.

if any one will come out of the crow is not huckabee, you may as well get behind one of the other with a better chance like Paul

I'm a recent convert to Huckabee too!  He's the best man for the job and our best chance of winning!

Huckabee raised taxes in Arkansas 47%...he literally taxed about everything he could....he is liberal on immigration.  I grant him this....his gift of gab is good, one of the benefits of being a Baptist preacher (I am Baptist)....but, don't be fooled...he is not our man.  Arkansas present Governor, Beebee, is the one to watch.  Better put Huckabee on hold if America knows what's good for them....

Don't let the liberal media pick our frontrunner for us.  Vote for Huckabee.  You can trust him to be pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-America, and an all-around decent, honest man.

Huckabee, is better then Giuliani, but still pretty bad..

another warmonger.. who will give every illegal immigrant all the benefits possible… who would go to war with Iran without the consent of Congress, who wants to privatize social security, raise taxes, pardon convicted rapists and sink the United States into more debt..



"Huckabee not all he appears to be"

"Let's begin with The Club for Growth, a well-regarded fiscally conservative interest group which is not impressed by the former Arkansas guv's record:

"Governor Huckabee says he is a fiscal conservative," Club for Growth President Pat Toomey said, "but his ten-year economic-policy record as the governor of Arkansas is mixed, at best. His history includes numerous tax hikes, ballooning government spending, and increased regulation. To be sure, Governor Huckabee's record displays an occasional deference to a pro-growth philosophy, but that is only a small slice of a much bigger picture. The Club for Growth feels citizens deserve a full picture of where Governor Huckabee stands on the critical economic issues of the day."

The Club is so concerned about Huckabee’s carefully planned re-invention of himself that it has put up a website, Tax Hike Mike, to warn voters not to be fooled by this "other" Man From Hope (also Bill Clinton’s home town).

What do Arkansas conservatives think of their former governor? Not much. The Arkansas Republican Assembly, an organization whose members are among the most fiercely conservative in the state, held a presidential straw poll at its annual convention in July. Huckabee was trounced in the poll by Fred Thompson, who received 86% (that’s right - 86%) of the votes cast by the ARRA delegates.

On immigration, Huckabee is not quite the strict enforcement guy his campaign would like you to believe he is. As the Arizona Republic reported:

Gov. Mike Huckabee on Thursday heaped criticism upon immigration legislation in the Arkansas Legislature, describing it as "inflammatory . . . race-baiting and demagoguery." He also challenged the Christian values of its main sponsor.

Huckabee said the bill, seeking to forbid public assistance and voting rights to undocumented immigrants, "inflames those who are racist and bigots and makes them think there's a real problem. But there's not."

...Huckabee, also a Republican and a Baptist minister, said Arkansans should be welcoming hard-working immigrants of all races.

The organization English First reminds its members that Huckabee, in a 2003 radio address as governor, advanced the notion that Arkansas taxpayers should be generous to the offspring of illegal immigrants in their state:

So far, not so good. But it gets worse...

You don't have to be a libertarian to find the CATO Institute’s evaluations useful on fiscal and federalist issues. Here’s CATO’s take on Huckabee:


“Thanks to a final term grade of F, Huckabee earns an overall grade of D for his entire governorship... Huckabee’s leadership has left taxpayers in Arkansas much worse off.”
Then there’s this excerpt from an Arkansas Leader editorial comparing and contrasting Huckabee and Hillary:

“It would be hard to separate the former Arkansas governor and the former Arkansas first lady on... education and health care...”

Finally, Huckabee had his own Willie Horton moment, turning loose a monster on the public that even Bill Clinton wouldn’t pardon:

... there is one man Huckabee believed deserved a second chance, convicted rapist Wayne Dumond, who continues to haunt Huckabee’s burgeoning presidential campaign.
... Dumond - now dead - was paroled from an Arkansas prison, with then- governor Huckabee’s endorsement, only to sexually assault and kill a woman in Missouri.

“It was one of those things I just feel horrible about. You just ache all the way to the bone over what happened,” the former Arkansas governor said in an interview. “But nobody could know that” Dumond would attack again, he said.

Dumond’s case is notorious in Arkansas. In 1984, he raped a 17-year-old girl. While awaiting trial at his home, he was castrated by, he said, masked intruders. Later, after Dumond went to prison for life, some people in Arkansas saw the sentence as excessive, especially given his mutilation.

Huckabee was one, and, after becoming governor in 1996, he announced his desire to commute Dumond’s sentence. Dumond’s rape victim, Ashley Stevens, saw it differently.

Stevens, now 40 and living in the western United States, said she tried to persuade Huckabee not to shorten the sentence for Dumond.

“I told [Huckabee]: If you ever let him out, he’s going to do it again,” she said in an interview.

She was able to get a meeting with the governor - who, she said, had not spoken to her before announcing his intention to commute Dumond’s sentence - but realized Huckabee had “made up his mind.” So Stevens stood up, she said, walked over to Huckabee, who was seated on a sofa, squatted down and thrust her face inches from his.

“I said, ‘This is how close I was to Dumond’s face for an hour,’ “ Stevens recalled. “ ‘I’ll never forget his face, and you’ll never forget mine.’ “

The parole board - following a closed meeting with Huckabee - decided to let Dumond go. The following year, Dumond committed the Missouri slaying. He died in prison in 2005.

In the final analysis, Huckabee appears to be even more of a “compasssionate conservative,” big-spending, big-government guy and open-borders advocate than George W. Bush, without the dedication of the current president to lasting tax cuts.
Danger, Will Robinson, danger... "



"Tax Burden Sky-Rocketed under Huckabee

Washington – The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette ran an article today confirming what the Club for Growth PAC has been saying for months now: Mike Huckabee is a tax-hiker plain and simple.

According to the Democrat-Gazette, “the average Arkansan’s tax burden grew from $1,969 in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 1997, to $2,902 in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2005, including local taxes,” a whopping tax increase of 47% under Huckabee’s tenure. Tax legislation passed while Huckabee was governor totaled “a net tax increase of $505 million, a figure adjusted for inflation and economic growth,” according to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

Huckabee likes to wave away criticisms of his economic record by saying he cut taxes 90 times, but the same Democrat-Gazette article points out that the so-called 90 tax cuts included one medium tax cut ($90 million) and 89 tiny cuts. Clearly, Huckabee’s tax increases far outstripped any of his tax cuts, reaching a net tax increase of $505 million. Some of these include:

Higher sales taxes (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 11/07/96)
Higher gas taxes (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 06/29/99)
Higher grocery taxes (Associated Press, 09/11/02; Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 11/17/02)
Higher taxes on nursing home beds (Associated Press, 06/25/01)
“In past debates, Huckabee has dismissed criticisms of his tax record with superficial answers and half-truths,” said Club for Growth President Pat Toomey. “Hopefully, tonight’s moderators will not let Huckabee off the hook so easily. Voters across America have a right to know the truth about Mike Huckabee’s tax-hiking record.”

http://www.taxhikemike.org/
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/ke...=...

5800 years ago there was nothing...according to Mike. I can't stand behind that. Too much baggage to bring to the white house.

I like Huckabee becuase he's not a 2 faced liar like Giulliani and Romney.

So, while all the hard core GOP rally around these "faithful" GOP candidates like Huckabee and Romney, I have one question:  Are you going to rally around these guys after the primaries when they have to appeal to a more moderate group of americans? Guarantee what crap you hear out of their mouths now wont even resemble what they have to say when they are trying to convince 70% of the country (the same 70% who wants out of Iraq) that they should be president.  Don't be surprise if Huckabee says we SHOULD bring troops home "to save face" and don't be surprise if abortion IS OK some instances with Romney.  Your religious right GOP candidates (with the exception of Ron Paul) are no different than drunks at the bar: say whatever it takes just to get laid.

At the primaries, guarantee candidates will spend most of their time spinning why they said one thing now and one thing later.  Huckabee will not be an exception

OK people...I'm from Arkansas.  Republicans here hated him as much as Democrats.  He barely beat his last opponent in his last gubernatorial race.  Don't buy into the hype.  His record on crime issues is embarrassing...check out his pardon record and you will understand.  Oh, and there's a reason why you haven't seen his family yet...just give it time.

RON PAUL 2008, JOIN THE REVOLUTION

I live in Arkansas and one thing I can tell you for sure is that Mike Huckabee likes taxes!  I'm a not a republican, but if I were, Mike Huckabee would be the last man I would vote for.  Our new governor who is a democrat is just now getting around to cutting the raise on our grociery tax.  Oh, and one more thing for all of you out there.  Just about any one from Arkansas can talk you into or out of anything even a glass of water from hell.  Think about the last guy from Hope.  The one difference, Clinton was always Clinton, even here in Arkansas, Huckabee is not what he appears to be.

don't believe ANYTHING you read on these comments.  Do all the research yourself - on both sides - to decide who you will support in 2008.

Now that Huckabee is gaining in the polls, expect more attack ads.  

Don't let the pet lovers of America, like me,  get wind that the good Governor's son tortured and killed a stray dog that he as his buddies came across in the forest while out being good Boy Scouts.  The kid got a slap on the wrist, at MOST.

His state Administration was also beset by one financial scandal after another (the multi million dollar Governor's Mansion remodel, the very expensive clothes given as gifts, etc.).  The much maligned Clintons raised their child to be an exceptional Citizen and never had the scandals until they hit the national media and the Republican smear machine realized they were a threat.

Jess,

Wayne Dumond was released by the mostly Democrat-appointed parole board. Gov Huckabee's only action in the Dumond case was to DENY his clemency. Huckabee explains this in his book, "From Hope to Higher Ground".

Huckabee raised my taxes and my baby died. I should know I am from Arkansas...and I voted for Clinton.
Ron Paul is the best governer Texas has ever had and Mitt is a great Congressman. Rud-e, Rud-e...

Vote for Ronmeypaulani, he will fix everything.

www.mikehuckabee.com

i believe, if huckabee is elected he will have tolerance against mormons. huckabee cannot win the west and only mitt can.  unless these so call conservatives stand behind mitt or lose the election to hilliary  

choosemike.blogspot.com

glad to hear that tim looks like the dems will cheat and lie to get someone out of voting for a man

I LIKE MIKE!

I was actually impressed with Huckabee when he first announced his candidacy.  Although I am a Hillary supporter so even if he got the nomination I wouldn't be voting for him.  Well, if John Edwards were to become the nominee for the Democratic party I would be temmpted.

I am also from Arkansas and the negative things others have posted are simply not true.

Taxes went to road repairs and education.  He cut taxes over 90 times and left the state with over $500 million in surplus.

Dumond was released on parole, after serving almost 20 years.  He was released by a very democrat board appointed by Clinton.

As stated by someone earlier, do your research before posting comments.  I am sure all this negative attention is due to Huckabee's surge in polling numbers.

Former Arkansas journalist Lucas Roebuck writes about the vicious and misleading attacks on Governor Mike Huckabee's record.  

http://roebuckreport.blogspot.com/2007/10/funds-column-assassination-of-huckabee.html

I, too, am from Arkansas and I "heart" Huckabee!  He was one of the most popular Governor's our state has ever had.  He won hands down in BOTH (meaning, RE-ELECTED) elections in a very liberal state.  He CUT taxes over 90 times while in office and left the state with a huge budget surplus (which has since been spent by our current "democratic" Governor on pet projects . . not given back to us in the form of tax CUTS).  He won almost 50% of the African-American vote which is unheard of for a Republican.  He is a good man.  Has he made honest mistakes in the past . . Sure.  Haven't you?  Check him out and decide for yourself:  www.mikehuckabee.com

I am proud to be from Arkansas. I don't claim to be Republican or Democrat and I vote for the person who is best for the job.  Huckabee IS NOT best for the job of president.  He raised our taxes and ruined our schools by consolidating many of the smaller schools with large schools, thus taking away the only thing small communities had to hold them together.  His family is a joke.  His sons have been in trouble with the law and only received slaps on the wrist.  He is gifted with being able to talk the good talk but he does not walk the good walk.  Everyone should really be careful and look much deeper into his background before supporting him  He is the wolf in sheep's clothing!

Huckabee is a "nice" guy, but not who I'd want running our country. My question is this: why does he get so much hype? even if he wins Iowa, he has no shot of raising enough money to run in any other state. He is running for vp, let's face it. That is why he is only engaging Ron Paul at the debate, the infamous "honor" Klingon quote. Notice he doesn't want to take on any of the other candidates? well, Huckabee will NOT be on Ron Paul long list, or any list for that matter. I wish the media would give Ron Paul as much air time as they give Huckabee. Huckabee has been on Hardball 4 or 5 times! Ron Paul? a 3 minute post-debate wrap-up. :I Please fix this, Mr. Todd.

According to the Huckster 5800 yrs ago there was nothing.
5800 yrs later there still isn't much in Arkansas.
As gov. of this 2nd poorest state I can personally say he did little for us.
We get what we elect. Arkansas did not expect much and did not get much from the Huckster. Neither will the USA if the Huckster pulls off another who voted for him victory.

Tim, if you believe that, maybe you need to hear what the members of the parole board have to say.

http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=154e1aad-fd18-4efd-8d80-b5dab8559419

Ron Paul is a fruit... just like Perot.  He will LOSE BIG, but doesn't care.  He's just in it to be on the ballot in 2008 as the Libertarian Candidate.

He's happy just to say he was on the ballot.  Too bad he doesn't respect his supporters enough to tell them the truth about him not having a chance, and spending all their hard earned money on his TV exposure.

Shame on you Ron Paul for misleading your supporters.  It's more than obvious you have not shot at the win, but it hasn't stopped you from asking for, and spending everyone's money.

Good 'ole Tax Hike Mike.  This guy is for amnesty, C02 taxes, and is a big spender.  Heck he sounds like Bush.

"the Republican smear machine"

Is that anything like the "vast right-wing conspiracy"?  (But that was back when H Clinton was making herself out to be a dutiful wife instead of a politician.)

If the John Fund / Pat Toomey crowd is giving you doubts about Huckabee, please read the following:

http://roebuckreport.blogspot.com/2007/10/funds-column-assassination-of-huckabee.html

When it's all been said and done, we'll all find out that all politicians are alike.  It's all about money, power and fame.  No politician has ever done what they claimed once in office.  When are we going to wake up and smell the coffee and realize that politician is just another word for liar?  Republican, Democrat, Independent, whatever party line they just don't represent the people.  We need a blue collar man who worked his way up not one who was fed with a silver spoon, or can be bought with more money, power or fame.

Huckabee is a fraud. If you liked the Clinton's, you'll love the Huckster. Formerly from that neck o the woods.

Jaime in St. Louis
"He's finally getting money in the bank..." It certainly isn't coming from the folks in Arkansas that he raped with taxes. He's worse than a Democrat.

Barring a late entry by Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, Mike Huckabee best represents the conservative right wing of the republican party. He is, as Iowans may be wont to say, the pick of the litter.

The Club for Greed is attacking Huckabee with half-truths because one rich man in Arkansas could not buy the appointment to a state board he wanted while Huckabee was governor of Arkansas. Now he pays for the Club for Greed's attack ads to get revenge because Huckabee dared to tell him "no."

Instead of raising his hand when asked if he didn't believe in evolution, Huckabee should have put his hand in his pocket and grabbed his monkey nuts.....Tom

Mike Huckabee is for the Fair Tax. This single issue puts him closer to the framers vision of the constitution than any of Ron Pauls ideas. Income Tax is illegal according to the constitution and the amendment passed to allow it needs to be tossed. Ron Paul people need to wake up and get behind the true conservative, Mike Huckabee.

I like the sound of Huckabee.HUCK-A-BEE FOR PRES-I-DENT (to the tune from Of Thee I Sing) It is as American as apple pie, The Fourth of July, Why it's as American as Huck Finn. Red, White and Blue and green too. Remember when BEEs pollinated flowers.  

Huck and son the dog lovers of the repukes party.
Wow, we need a Huck or two! A Huck a bee or a huckster he be.

I couldn't help but notice that no one from Arkansas seemed to have anything good to say about Huckabee.  Isn't that odd?  Funny how when he decided to get healthy, he managed to mandate the whole state become healthy, witness the smoking bans, mandatory obesity screening for kids in schools, other things that the state seemed to think was best for Arkansas.  All at tax payer expense.

No wonder the guy had to raise taxes.  Seems he had to pay for us being healthy somehow.  And as for the comment that he "denied" Dumond's clemency, that sure isn't what we all remember, maybe because it isn't true.

He is a very liberal guy who is trying to be conservative.  Don't buy it, he isn't in the least!

Maax said that Huckabee said..."5800 years ago there was nothing...according to Mike. I can't stand behind that. Too much baggage to bring to the white house.
maax (Sent Friday, October 26, 2007 4:36 PM)

Maax, do you have a phoney adgenda or are you just totally ingnorant.  Check out the 2nd GOP debate...Huckabee said he didn't know whether it was 6,000 years ago or 6 million years.   Are you just being intellectually dishonest or are you just stupid.

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