Oh Baby That's What I Like!

I would like to take a moment to wish all my readers and everyone else a very Happy New Year. Let's make it one HUCK of a year!

GO MIKE GO!!!

2008 - THE YEAR OF HUCKABEE!!!

The following is Mike's own words about the negative ad and why he decided to not run it.

Yesterday, I flew to Little Rock to cut three new television ads with our campaign team. The first "Our Values" will air in Iowa and discusses my unwavering commitment towards a Human Life Amendment. The second ad which will air exclusively in New Hampshire called "Tax Cuts Matter" discusses the first broad based tax cut that I passed in Arkansas' history. You can view both ads here.

The third ad was a negative attack against Governor Romney. We prepared it, sent the ad to the television stations here in Iowa, and it was supposed to start running at noon today. This morning, I ordered my staff to pull the ad; I told them I do not want it to be run. If it was run at all, it would be until the stations pulled it off their schedules. And we are now committed, from now through the rest of the caucuses, that we will run only the ads that talk about why I should be president, and not why Mitt Romney should not.

Back in October when I stood in Washington, DC before the Values Voter Summit delivering a speech to the attendees I reminded them that "we stand for some things, we believe in some things..." We do indeed:

I believe in the Human Life Amendment and will work tirelessly for it's passage.

I believe the FairTax is the best way to unleash our economy in the 21st century.

I believe and have always supported the passage of a federal constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

I believe we must secure our borders, end amnesty and end sanctuary cities.

I believe our country must be energy independent.

I believe that we are currently engaged in a world war. Radical Islamic fascists have declared war on our country and our way of life.

I believe in the Surge.

And I believe that Americans aren't interested in politics that divide us, they want their leaders to focus on what will lift them up and make things better.

I almost forgot that today in the face of the withering barrage of criticism we have endured over the last few weeks from my rivals. I say almost, because our negative ad won't run.

I know we believe in the same things. It is these things, these ideas, that have bound us together in this campaign for President. These ideas are why you first became interested in me and these ideas are why I am running for President. Let everyone know, that we are campaigning for these ideas and that we are working overtime to lift America up.

I have the greatest amount of respect for Governor Mike Huckabee. I did not think I could respect him more but I do so right now. Win or lose I am extremely proud of the candidate I have chosen. Mike is exactly what our Nation needs. I hope and Pray that America agrees with me. I think our future as a nation depends on it!

Wow! There sure is a lot going on today and it all sourrounds Huck. the following is from MSNBC's First Read:

From NBC/NJ's Adam Aigner-Treworgy
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Peace protestors mixed with Ron Paul supporters prevented Huckabee from entering his Des Moines headquarters through the front door. Three people were arrested and then reporters were allowed back in to shoot footage of Huckabee glad-handing volunteers in his headquarters. This was immediately following his 2:00 p.m. ET news conference.

More info on this shortly...

Well now I have seen everything. Mike Huckabee spent yesterday in Little Rock filming a new television ad before returning to Des Moines, Iowa. At the same time he scheduled a press conference for Noon today where it was to premiere. Here's were it gets fun. About an hour before the Press conference was to occur Mike had a change of heart. He decided to scrap the ad and not run it. So Mike would cancel the press conference? No! Not at all. He explained why he had a change of heart but he showed the ad to the press corps to prove to them that he actually recorded an ad! Time has a video of the ad here (partial because there was a technical glitch in the audio of the ad when it was shown...there is audio of the press conference on that page too)

Wow! What has happened is Mike is pissed. I don't think he cares that Mitt Romney and his allies have attacked with with everything but the kitchen sink. But when Mitt targeted John McCain it crossed the line with him. I applaud Mike for not running the ad and sticking to his principles of running a clean, positive campaign. However showing the ad to the press corps is absolute genius. It's tantamount to a trick play in football to change the momentum. Mike may have just scored a Touchdown!

So what are the pundits saying? They are buzzing and positive press is being created at a time which Mike needs it the most. The New York Times calls it "a remarkable play!" Politico calls it "an instant classic" Here's more coverage from the Boston Herald and The Dallas Morning News.

There's almost instant response from the Romney camp and it is infuirating to read. For fairness the response follows:

Response to Huckabee Event from Romney CampaignFrom Spokesman Kevin Madden:

“We’re proud that Governor Romney has run a campaign about the issues that are important to voters. Governor Romney has worked hard to talk about the vision and experience he has when it comes to keeping taxes low, cutting wasteful spending and securing our borders. He’s worked hard to make his case to voters about leading a Republican Party that will strengthen the American family.

“Mike Huckabee’s troubling record is clearly not holding up well under scrutiny.

“To say one thing one minute and then turn around and show an attack ad to reporters the next will, obviously, leave folks with a very cynical view of Mike Huckabee and his message.”

“Mike Huckabee has turned from nice to very hot-tempered now that his record has been examined by voters.

How will this all play out? We will see on Thursday night I am sure.

There are two new TV Ads running in Iowa now. One ad is on Values, and the other is on Mike's record on Taxes while Governor of Arkansas.

There are now three days left before Iowans go to Caucus. I don't know if I will have fingernails or hair left but we'll see what happens. It's getting really heated out there as we reach the climax of what has been a six month buildup (it's probably been longer) to the Nominating season. So what's going to happen and how will it shape the race to come? Here are my guesses.

First up are the Dems. There is a three horse-race in Iowa between Clinton, Edwards, and Obama. The polls are showing a dead heat between the three of them. Whoever gets a better turnout may win. But there is a wrench in that statement. There are several second-tier candidates. Unlike the GOP Caucuses, Each candidate must have 15% of the people at their table or you have to mvoe to another candidates group. Who will these supporters go to. That's what will ultimately decide who wins and loses. If Hillary wins than you can almost give her the nomination. However all bets are off if Edwards or Obamam wins. It is conceivable for Senator Clinton to finish 3rd. If that happens it may be all over for her. Between Obama and Edwards I think Obama has the much better shot to take a win in Iowa as a springboard for the nomination.

As for the GOP it is quite clear. Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney are fighting a very tough hard battle for 1st in Iowa. The candidate that doesn't get 1st will come in 2nd. The big question is who will finish third. I think there are three candidates that could land that spot - Fred Thompson, John McCain, and Ron Paul. Who needs it more? Fred does. He is almost out of cash. He barely had enough to run ads in Iowa this week. He needs a 3rd place finish to fill his piggy bank or he is toast. He might drop out after Iowa if he doesn't finish well. John McCain (the new National poll leader according to Rasmussen) isn't really playing much in Iowa but he is starting to poll better. John's main focus is New Hampshire (where he is today). A 3rd place finish in Iowa would pretty much sew up NH for John. but don't underestimate the Paulites. Out of all the organizations I think Ron Paul has the biggest in Iowa from all around the country. They are going to fight for every vote. He won't take votes away from any other candidate because I think their focus is college students and people who would stay home and don't care otherwise. Don't be surprised to see Ron Paul get a 3rd or 4th place finish when all is said and done.

I feel that Iowa could come down to a handful of votes on both sides. It's sure going to be fun to watch. Pas the popcorn please!

I can't think of a better way to ring in 2008, the year of Huckabee, than with Huck and Chuck! that's exactly what you will be able to do tomorrow evening, New Year's Night at 8:30 PM Eastern! You are invited to view their live rally webcast from Des Moines on Mike Huckabee's website. Mike Huckabee, Chuck Norris, Janet Huckabee (Mike's wife), Former South Carolina Governor David Beasley, and Former Arkansas Senator Tim Hutchison will all be there. DON'T MISS IT!!! Make sure to tell you family and friends to watch it too. The Sugar Bowl can wait a little bit.

WAY TO GO EVERYONE! We made $5 Million by 10 AM Eastern! Another goal reached! What a fantastic 4th Quarter! After being kicked in the tail by weak fundraising numbers in the 3rd Quarter we smahsed through every goal the campaign set out for us. We raised over a Million in October. We raised over 2 Million in November and raised about 2 Million this month Online alone! I can't wait to see the actual numbers from the entire quarter (including through the mail, over-the-phone, and from events)!

WAY TO GO GANG...WE DID IT!!! Upward and Onward!

Not only is the countdown on to 2008 but to the end of the 4th Quarter of the fundraising year. We are now $1,000 away from raising $5 Million dollars for Mike Huckabee online during the Quarter!

LET'S START THE CELEBRATION EARLY....LET'S GET TO $5 MILLION BY NOON!!!

The Following is Mike Huckabee's schedule of appearances through the Iowa Caucuses on January 3rd:

December 31, 2007

6:05 a.m. CT – Interview with co-anchors Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira on NBC's "The Today Show." 6:30 a.m. CT – Interview with host John Roberts on CNN's "American Morning."

6:45 a.m. CT – Interview with hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on "Fox and Friends."

7:30 a.m. CT – Des Moines, IA – Goes for a morning run at Gray's Lake. Media park in lot off Fleur Dr.

Noon CT – Des Moines, IA – Hosts news conference at the Downtown Marriott, Salon G, 700 Grand Ave.

12:30 pm CT – Des Moines, IA – Stops by Campaign Headquarters to thank volunteers, 519 Locust Ave.

2:15 p.m. CT--Des Moines, IA – Goes in for a haircut at Executive Forum Barber, 519 Locust Ave. (Located at the skywalk entrance of the Des Moines Building)

5:30 p.m. CT – Des Moines, IA – Attends New Year's Eve Party with supporters at Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Dr.

January 1, 2008

9:00 a.m. CT – Sergeant Bluff , IA – Attends "Meet Mike Huckabee" event at Pizza Ranch, 206 First St.

12:30 p.m. CT – Cedar Rapids – Attends "Meet Mike Huckabee" event at the Elks Lodge, 801 33rd Ave. SW.

5:00 p.m. CT – Des Moines, IA – Participates in the Blogger Bash at the Downtown Marriott, Council Bluffs Room, 700 Grand Ave.

7:30 p.m. CT – Des Moines, IA – Attends the Huck and Chuck (Norris) Rally at the Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Rd.

January 2, 2008

8:00 a.m. CT – Fort Dodge, IA – Attends "Meet Mike Huckabee" event at the Webster County Fairgrounds, 22770 Old Highway 169.

10:30 a.m. CT – Mason City, IA – Attends "Meet Mike Huckabee" event at Chicago Dawg, 687 S. Taft.

10:30 p.m. CT – Guest on NBC's "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno.

January 3, 2008

8:30 a.m. CT – Burlington, IA – Attends "Meet Mike Huckabee" event at Best Western Fun City, 3001Winegard Dr.

12:30 p.m. CT – Grinnell, IA – Attends "Meet Mike Huckabee" event at the Veterans Memorial Building, 927 Fourth Ave.

The following videos are Must-See TV! The following is Mike Huckabee's appearance on Meet the Press this morning on NBC. Mike got to talk for thirty minutes! Spread it around people. Everyone needs to see these!

Things are really going to start to get busy around here. There is a ton to talk about.

Are you looking for a comprehensive list of endorsements for Mike Huckabee? YOU CAN VIEW ON RIGHT HERE. Expect additions to this list after Iowa, especially if Mike wins. There are big names rumored to be watching Iowa and if Huck wins their endorsements may follow.

Speaking of Iowa the trends are that Mitt Romney may be back in the lead poll-wise. Only time will tell if they are correct and accurate. All that matters is who shows up on Caucus night. Anything can happen. There are tons of Ron Paul people out there. No one should be underestimated at this point. WE MUST KEEP FIGHTING FOR EVERY VOTE!!!

Mike has come under some scrutiny by speaking at a church in San Antonio on December 23rd. While speaking at a church was not the issue, the pastor has said some things that have Catholics up in arms about. Mike recently conducted an interview with the website Catholic.org to respond to their questions on that and a few other issues.

With news breaking in Pakistan this week a major focus has become Foreign Policy late in the game. However Mike has focused on Pakistan and over issues of Foreign Policy for quite awhile. Back in September, Mike made a major speech on those issues. You can read and watch it HERE.

Good morning!

With this being Sunday, and the last Sunday before the Iowa Caucuses I think this is a perfect time to bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the beneficial rain that has fallen over the past few weeks down here in Georgia. It is truly a blessing in this time of drought. We pray this morning for many. We pray for the volunteers and candidates of the political campaigns in Iowa this week and for their health and safety on the icy roads of that state. We especially pray for the many who have traveled to Iowa from across the nation to lift up your servant, Governor Mike Huckabee. We also pray for the people in Iowa who will make a great decision this Thursday. May your will be done in the outcome. We also pray for Governor Mike Huckabee. We pray for strength, wisdom, and humility for Mike during the next few days. May the truth and you words cross his lips instead of attacking others as he has been tempted to do. On the eve of the new year of 2008 we thank you for all the many blessings you have provided us with and pray in Thanksgiving for all the blessings of the year to come.

In Your name we pray. Amen.

Good afternoon everyone!

Welcome to my new readers who may have found me at the Georgia Front Page blog: State & National Elections! Thanks for posting a link to me. I'm not sure how they found me but I am very proud to be a linked from that blog, or any blog for that matter. Welcome aboard!

Saturday is usually a quiet day but not this Saturday. We're down to cases and it's CRUNCH time. We are now 5 days from the Iowa Caucuses. It's getting really heated out there (but not enough to melt the snow in Frozen Iowa)! Time for a Roundup to get you cuaght up to date with the latest developments.

Yesterday Mike helpd a bloggers conference. As always it is a great honor and pleasure to be invited. There must have been a ton of people on the call but there was not much time for Mike to answer questions. I did have a question prepared but I will share that one down the page a little bit. You can read a synopsis of the call prepared by Kerry from Michigan at her excellent, One Mom Blog. There was a lot discussed all at once. I am very happy to hear and see reports from the groun in Iowa. I feel we are going to make political history up there...as we did at the Straw Poll back in August. The crowds are immense and enthusiastic wherever Mike goes and he claims that 1,000 each day are commiting to caucus for him on the website. In a very close race this is very key. I hope to have some first-hand accounts from the field for you soon.

After the Blogger's conference Mike held one with the media. You can read a synopsis here (with audio).

Mike has two new ads running in Iowa. I think they are excellent, especially the ones regarding the negativity in other ads.

There are a ton of polls from Iowa out recently and they are absolutely all over the place. One has Romney with a big lead, one has Mike with a huge lead, others show them pretty much tied. The polls are really meaningless at this point. The only thing that maters is who comes out to caucus on the chilly night January 3rd and who stays home to watch the Orange Bowl instead. the race on the Democratic side is even closer with three horses neck and neck with each other. This is sure fun to watch!

Stay tuned for more as we get closer and closer to Caucus night!

The following is from Martin Hawley - The Gerogia Meetup Group Coordinator, webmaster for the Georgia For Huckabee website, and fellow blogger DON'T MISS THIS EVENT...I'LL BE THERE!!

NEWS . . . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Martin Hawley,
Georgia Huckabee Meetup Organizers' Director kuriakos@bellsouth.net
Iowa Caucus Celebration and Planning Event
Big Chef-catered Event at the Historic Rock Barn in Canton

All Governor Mike Huckabee for President supporters and friends are invited to
attend our second big Meetup event, scheduled for 7:00 pm on Thursday, January
3rd at the historic Rock Barn in Canton, GA! Our own professional chef - Greg
Paine - has graciously agreed to donate much of his time in preparing gourmet
heavy appetizer items and refreshments. We will be providing you again with
buttons and bumperstickers, and you will have the opportunity to purchase yard
signs and rally signs, as well as additional buttons while the supply lasts.
Due to the costs of leasing such a famous and picturesque locale, big screem
television servicing for watching the returns, and the incredible culinary
display in store, we are asking that each adult participant pay an event fee for
the meeting of $25.00.
We would like for every concerned person in Georgia
to come and enjoy a time of fellowship and political fun as we watch Mike win
big in Iowa and we plan our strategy for Georgia's primary on February 5th!
Please finalize your RSVPs by Tuesday, January 1st at 5:00 pm so that Chef
Greg will be prepared for our Thursday night event. I hope that all of you will
be able to attend and make this our best Huckabee event so far.

How to Find the Rock Barn 658 Marietta Hwy Canton, GA 30114 Driving
Directions

You can go ahead and gloat all you want to folks. The fundraising did not meet expectations at all yesterday. However today looks to be a different story. Since I woke up this morning the online fundraising total has increased by at least $25,000. I think December 27th was too close to Christmas and a lot of people were either on vacation or just did not have their computers on while still in Holiday mode. We ended up raising almost $90,000 yesterday and compared to Fred Thompson and Ron Paul's efforts we beat both of them. Granted Ron Paul's supporters were not pushing an effort but Fred's campaign sure was. You can check out the stats RIGHT HERE

It looks like we are well on our way to smashing the $5 Million dollar online fundraising goal for the 4th Quarter. What will the entire total be? I'd say add up at least $1-3 Million more from fundraising events, over-the-phone fundriaisng, and mail-in contributions. There might be an outside shot of a $10 Million quarter when all is said and done. We'll have to see how it all adds up after the Ball Drops.

The following message is from the co-chairmen of the FairTax Coalition of Georgia For Huckabee. Please do note that these two gentlemen have once served in the FairTax organization but are not serving anymore:

Huckabee and The Fair Tax Solution
Fair Tax Workshop for Huckabee Volunteers

We will be providing a Fair Tax training workshop exclusively for the
Georgia Mike Huckabee volunteer/supporter group. This event will be held on
January 5, 2008 in Peachtree City starting at 10:00 a.m. until noon.
Seating is limited to 150 people maximum, so we ask that you RSVP quickly at
the email link below. We will cover basic principles of the bill and
provide the facts on countering the negative and misleading statements that
are being made by the mainstream media and other candidates.

RSVP your attendance by e-mailing Gene and Don at fairtaxdirector@georgiaforhuckabee.com.

Once we receive your RSVP, we will send you the details in a separate email.
Please state your level of knowledge about The Fair Tax as either
Unfamiliar, Somewhat Familiar, Very Familiar, and expert. We wish to ensure
that those who know very little about The Fair Tax get a chance to learn
over those who may know already how to defend and promote it.[Don W] Also, please provide a contact phone# along with the city/county/zip code of your residence.

Gene Key Co-chairman
Don Williamson Co-Chairman
Fair Tax Coalition Leadership
Georgia For Huckabee

Good morning!

We are now exactly a week away from Iowa. It's all coming to a head now.

BTW It's Freedom Lives Day. Have your made your contribution today? I am not sure how much money we will raise today. The site was flooded with bogus pledges for trolls trying to gum up the works. I've made my contribution today. Ever little bit helps!

After dipping in Rasmussen the numbers look more realistic today as Mike leads Rudy 20%-18% (with a three way statistical tie for 3rd place). John McCain is polling highest of those three today. That is no surprise as he is surging in Iowa, and New Hampshire presently. Good for him. Along with Mike John has run a very clean and honorable campaign. I just wish he supported the FairTax, and did not work hard for the Amnesty bill, and did not limit our first amendment right of political free speech with McCain Feingold. I might seriously consider voting for him if he did not have those things hanging over his head for me. I wish John McCain the best of luck. He definitely has my respect compared to Fred and Mitt who I have lost all respect for during this campaign.

As I said yesterday the AOL Straw poll is very interesting. For a time yesterday John McCain led in Wyoming but that didn't last long. Ron Paul took over Utah for a short time as well but Mitt Romney has regained the lead there. As of this posting Mike Huckabee is winning Georgia and at times has led both Arkansas and Mississippi.

EDIT (1 PM EST) - The states I keep referencing keep going back and forth. Paul again leads Utah, Arkansas, and Georgia. Mississippi is still Huck's

In other polls, Mike Huckabee now leads in Oklahoma!

There are some new Huckabee endorsements today. Florida state Senator (and Majority Whip), Mike Haridopolos, and former Wyoming Governor (he also served in the House and Senate), Jim Geringer. A few days ago Mike received the endorsement of the Dallas Morning News.

There will be two bloggers calls in the next five days or so. The first one is tomorrow afternoon while Mike travels the trail in Iowa. The 2nd one is really special on New Year's Day afternoon during the Bloggers Bash the campaign is throwing at the campaign office in Des Moines. While meant for bloggers who are in Iowa or traveling there, there will be a call for those of us who cannot travel up to The Hawkeye State for the Caucus-week push. Chuck Norris will be on the call. I can't wait! I'll be all over both calls.

Check out One Mom's blog. Kerry does an awesome job! Today she has a post documenting Mitt Romney's panic attack mode he has gone into this past month as he has seen his lead in Iowa disappear and his lead in New Hampshire shrink down to nothing. The other thing I want to point out is not only is Mitt in attack mode but the Conservative elite "Chattering Class" is also in on it as well. I am really starting to get frustrated with a lot of folks who I admired, listened to, and bought books from. I've had a bout enough of these Bozos. For people who literally worship at the altar of Ronald Regan they are doing quite a good job at violating...no down right defecating upon Regan's "11th Ammendment", Thou Shalt Not Attack A Fellow Republican. Way to go folks! Regan is turning in his grave! OUTRAGEOUS!!

I want to give credit to fellow Huck's Army soldier, Brett Passmore who shared this over at the Race 4 2008 blog. Mike Huckabee is leading the unscientific Button poll in Iowa. You can check out the amusing story HERE

Thanks for all you do Brett! So nice to see a Mike Huckabee supporter blogging over there. Lately going over there to get poll numbers has hurt my Huckabee heart because they have so very brutal. It's about time!

This is very interesting. Go check out the AOL Political Machine Straw Poll. Ron Paul leads all states except for Utah (Mitt Romney), New Jersey, & New York (Rudy Guiliani in both). Ron Paul winning nationally and in 48 states is a no-brainer. He rules these things. However the past few days I have checked Huckabee continues to gain on Rudy nationally. If this is any indicator of what could happen next year I will argue that Mike might sweep the South as he is in 2nd place in almost all the Southern states. Here is where Mike is polling 2nd in this straw poll presently: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. That's almost half of the country! While this poll may not be accurate it does show a trend that we might be able to see when things unfold after Iowa if Mike Huckabee wins there.

EDIT - John McCain just snatched Wyoming from Paul.

Tomorrow is going to be a big day. Ron Paul has been very successful with "money bombs" Tomorrow is Mike Huckabee's big fundraising day. I refuse to call it what Ron Paul supporters call theirs. The goal is to raise $1 Million for Mike Huckabee tomorrow. At this point it appears that we will have our biggest fundraising day of the campaign tomorrow (which would smash the campaign's 4th Quarter online goal a few days early). So far over 600 people have pledged almost $570,000 (I am one of those who have pledged...granted I have pledged a lot of money but even $1...a Buck For Huck helps). Add you name to the list and let's get it done tomorrow!

THE RACE IN IOWA IS NOT OVER FOLKS!!!

Sorry for shouting but I wanted to get this important point across in an assertive manner. We are 8 days away from the Caucuses in Iowa. This is how everything stands according to ARG in the Hawkeye State. My comments will follow:

Mike Huckabee 23%
Mitt Romney 22%
John McCain 17%
Rudy Guiliani 14%
Ron Paul 10%
Undecided 8%
Fred Thompson 3%
Duncan Hunter 2%
Alan Keyes 2%

There are lots of things to talk about here. So here we go:

1. This is the first poll taken without including Tom Tancredo who dropped out last week. Just as Brownback endorsed McCain while his support went to Mike Huckabee, Tancredo endorsed Mitt Romney while his support seems to have gone to Ron Paul. This is big. Congratulations to the Ron Paul supporters reading. this is the first legit state poll that shows the Texas Rep in double-digits. Don't underestimate Ron Paul, folks. He's there lurking in the shadows with a rabid base of supporters and tons of money.

2. Here come McCain coming in on the rail! There is now a three-horse race at the top in Iowa. As he has in New Hampshire, McCain is now climbing in Iowa. John McCain might very well become the story if he continues to rise quickly. At this point he is rising faster than Huckabee did in the past two months.

3. As I have said before the race is not over in Iowa. It is time to redouble our efforts in Iowa, Huck's Army! WE MUST WIN IOWA!! We must do all that we can to get Mike the win he needs. Even prayer helps.

8 days may seem like a lot of time but it isn't. January 3rd, 2008 will be here before we know it. I don't know if I will have any fingernails or hair left by that point. It's sure is going to be exciting. So strap in folks. It's going to be a wild ride! Win or lose I wouldn't miss this for the world!

Good evening. Before I go I would like to respond to a comment made by Evangelicals For Mitt. I rejected it because I would like to come out in the open and respond to it. For the record this is exactly what was written:

A VOTE FOR HUCKABEE IS A VOTE FOR HILLARY! Let me explain:

Huckabee cannot win the election. Everyone should know this. What good is his Evangelical background going to do for us Evangelicals when he loses to Hillary in November?

Outside of the Christian Right Huckabee is viewed as yet another Christian from the South with nothing else behind him. I like huckabee but Americans view him as Bush 2.0 and there is NO way Americans are about to put another Bush into office right now.

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU VOTE FOR HUCKABEE AND SEND HILLARY INTO THE WHITE HOUSE:

http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/why.php

Thank you for posting your comments. However I respectively disagree with them. Please do note that you have created a dialog. Any other comments from you will be approved and I will respond in kind.

Let me explain where I am coming from. I am not a social conservative however I do think Roe vs Wade should be overturned because the Supreme Court was wrong in taking the case in the first place. They ignored the 10th Amendment.

No matter what my opinions are I can see your point of view quite clearly. I don't trust Mitt Romney at all. He's a big-money opportunist who has more flip-flops than the International House of Pancakes on key issues, especially Abortion! Speaking of the Clintons, Mitt reminds me of Bill Clinton saying anything that got him elected. I don't trust Mitt at all for the same reason. With Mitt's flip-flopping how can you count on him to appoint Judges that will overturn RVW?

Mike Huckabee on the other hand was pro-life 15 years ago, he is pro-life now and he will be pro-life 15 years from now. His stance on the issue is built on a foundation that is solid as the hardest rock ever created! While Mitt was flip-flopping on Abortion, Governor Mike Huckabee was participating in Pro-life demonstrations in front of his own Capitol in Little Rock! He will be participating in a similar demonstration on January 22nd here in Georgia. Governor Mike Huckabee has a 100% Pro-life record. Any questions about Mike Huckabee and what type of justices he would appoint to the Supreme Court?

Now to electability. You realize that Mike Huckabee is the only person that can say that he ran against the Clinton political machine multiple times and lived to tell the tale at the end of the day? He is definitely the only person in the field to do such a thing and is therefore the only hope for the GOP in 2008. There are many states that shows that Mike would not only beat Hillary but also Obama. Could Mitt Romney beat the Democratic nominee? Possibly but it will be very difficult for people to vote for someone who appears to be a different person on the outside than he is on the inside. On the other hand Mike Huckabee as the nominee will not only unite the base and the party but bring along independents (like me) and conservative Democrats that would otherwise just stay home next November. How would a election night map of Red like Regan's maps were colored suit you?

Mitt Romney is a big spending candidate that throws stones at targets that did not provoke him. He would continue the further polarization of this nation which is setting up our defeat on the International stage. Mike Huckabee, on the other hand, will unite us once again, as Regan did, to face the challenges of our world and generation with a positive message of Hope that our best days are ahead of us, not in our rear-view mirror. We will again be that shining light on a hill!

THAT is why I support Mike Huckabee over Mitt Romney and why everyone else should!

With that I leave y'all and wish everyone, even supporters of rival campaigns a very Merry Christmas!

We are now upon the long Christmas weekend. There is lots going on with the campaign but honestly it is time for me to take a pause. There are tons of polls but they are inaccurate and all over the place. I don't think it is possible to get a good enough sample the reflects what is really going on at this time of year. Everyone is so busy they are scraping the bottom of the barrel with their sample sizes. Knowing the demographics of Huckabee's supporters there is no surprise that even the Rasmussen daily tracker is showing Huckabee falling. I'm not the only one supporting Huckabee that is taking a break for politics to celebrate Christmas. But I also feel that the case is the same for supporters of all candidates.

Merry Christmas one and all! Here's a great cartoon for y'all to enjoy while I am gone.

If you remember a post from last night I told you that the rumors were that Tom Tancredo was going to drop out of the race today. He did in fact do so. No surprise there. He had a chance to endorse another candidate. The surprise is who he did endorse.

Tancredo has endorsed Mitt Romney.

WHAT THE $#*%?

Remember Tom Tancredo has really run on one issue and that is immigration. He is a hard liner on the issue. So he throws all of those principles down the garbage to endorse Romney? Thompson or even Ron Paul I can understand. BUT ROMNEY?! You've got to be out of your cotton pickin' mind, Tancredo, you sell out! I am embarrassed that I even considered supporting you for this election. Romney is even softer on Illegal immigration than Huckabee is perceived to be! Remember those illegals working of Romney's front lawn that he permitted? What about all those sanctuary cities that Romney did nothing about? Where do you get the idea that he even remotely matches your opinions on the issue? Not only that but you, a pro-lifer, have thrown yourself behind someone who has more flip flops than the International House of Pancakes on Abortion! I also thought the FairTax was important to you but you have endorsed a candidate that is vehemently opposed to the initiative.

SHAME ON YOU TANCREDO!!! I've lost all respect for you. I support Huckabee but had no expectations that you would endorse Mike. However I never expected you to shove your principles and values down the craphole by selling them out to Mr. Moneybags like you have done today! Best of luck to you if you do decide to run for the US Senate. You're going to have a lot of explaining to do to your electorate. I hope they take a long, hard look at what you have just done. You deserve to be whipped at the ballot box and kept home. I am so glad that you are not my representative.

Fox News and other outlets are running with a story that Colorado Rep Tom Tancredo will drop out of the Presidential Race tomorrow afternoon during a Press Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. So that leaves the question who will he endorse for the GOP nomination? Tancredo's pet issue is Illegal Immigration which would eliminate Rudy, Mitt, and McCain. That leaves Fred and Mike left. Mike is perceived as weak on the issue but Tancredo is closer to social issues and both of them vigorously support the FairTax. My guess is that Immigration trumps all and he will go with Fred. However I could and might very well be wrong. Stay tuned. I will come back with what happens tomorrow evening when I have some time.

As you know I have been busy with all sorts of things. I have decided to take a break from this blog until December 26th and the final push before the Iowa caucuses on January 3rd. There is going to be a lot to blog about in that period of time and I could use the rest between now and then.

Before I do go I want to note a few things:

As you can see the ticker jumped a bunch yesterday. Everything that wave raised online since October 1st was added in and a new goal was set. the new goal is to reach the $5 Million mark by the time the ball drops and the year (as well as the quarter) ends. We are almost $550.000 away from that mark at this moment today.

To help in this effort the folks over at Huck's Army have created this website in hopes of raising $1 Million for Mike on December 27th. Go check it out, sign up to pledge what you can, and spread the word!

I would like to wish all of Y'all a very Merry Christmas. Thanks for reading and for supporting me and Mike Huckabee. For the final word I present to you the latest campaign ad by Mike that is running in Iowa, South Carolina, & New Hampshire.

Over the past few weeks I have been receiving comments on my blog posts hat have been blatant spam for other campaigns and/or reiterating the vicious attacks Mike has been dealt the past month or so. I've had enough. From this point forward all comments will be moderated. I don't mind unbiased debate and constructive criticism but if you are going to come over here to slam my candidate your comments will NOT be posted. You don't see me trolling around bashing your candidate. It's indecent and uncivilized. this blogger does not participate in dirty politics of any kind. If you play that game that's your prerogative but to quote In Living Color, "Homey don't play that!" In other words, that dog won't hunt around here. Go find somewhere else to troll. I've made up my mind and you are only making my feelings and attachment to Mike Huckabee even stronger.

"And now back to our regularly scheduled programming already in progress."

This afternoon my Meetup group, led by my awesome and amazing assistant organizer, Lisa Chambers headed over to Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth Georgia to do some Holiday Shopping for Huckabee! Lisa (pictured on the left) was joined by (from left to right) Kristen, Chris, and John (thanks to John for the picture).

This was week #2 in Holiday Shopping for Huckabee for the Gwinnett County for Mike Huckabee Meetup group. What we have done is go out to a local mall (with our Huckabee gear on) to get our Christmas shopping done, get some exercise, and do some evangelizing for Mike Huckabee. Note that we are not beating people over the heads with it but we are leaving business cards, fliers, and bumper stickers to anyone who asks (and at the stores we shop in). Lisa has led this initiative the past two weeks I have been tied up. We're gonna do it again next weekend but this time I will be along for the fun. The following report is from Lisa:

Hi Brian,

Today’s Meet-Up went well. We had 4 people there spreading the word about Huck. We gave out a bunch of business cards to direct people to the web site, and gave out a few bumper stickers and round lapel stickers for supporters to make a permanent button like mine.

However that's not the best part. While he was walking around Gwinnett Place Mall, Chris had exclusive audience with the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus. Turns out Jolly old Saint Nick is a Huckabee supporter and will be flying around the globe with a Mike Huckabee bumper sticker on the sleigh! Lisa continues:

Chris even talked to Santa and found out that he’s a Huck supporter; so I went back and gave him a bumper sticker

How cool is that? Looks like Santa is getting extra milk and cookies from me this year!

First an apology...I am really busy at the moment on several fronts. It will stay that way for the next few days. However I wanted to make this point today. It's a very important one that needs to be expressed three weeks out from Iowa.

It's time to think big picture. I am no Republican. I am an independent. However there is nothing I would dislike more than a liberal Democrat in the White House. We're on the verge of that happening in January of 2009. HOWEVER We have a chance to prevent that from happening. In fact call it a HOPE. That "HOPE" is Governor Mike Huckabee. Let me explain...

This is the landscape we've had in the past twenty-five or so odd years. In 1980 we were blessed with the election of Ronald Regan. After 8 years we elected his Vice-President George H.W. Bush. For all intensive purposes Bush was a continuation of Regan. However Bush Sr. ran into a tanking economy and a split electorate in 1992. That brought us Bill Clinton (no thanks to Ross Perot) and his two terms in office. After the scandalized presidency we elected another Bush and the White House switched parties again. We've had 8 years of Bush, the son. As time ticks away on his presidency we look back on that with trepidation. His party was thrown out of their majority in Congress. Any observer would tell you we are headed towards another shift in political power.

So what has the GOP come forward with to try to keep the White House. The field is very interesting. While the Democrats are quite diverse (an African American, A woman, A Hispanic, etc) they all basically agree on ideology and they all come from the extreme left. Meanwhile the GOP candidates are all basically white males with very diverse ideas. Ideologically speaking you could say that they cover the center and go to the right from there.

So what should the plan for the GOP in 2008 be? Well it looks obvious to me but it doesn't seem to be clicking with many in the Republican Party. No matter who the Dems throw out there the candidate is going to be a hard lined leftist. He/She will not even stray close to the center. There is a huge opening and tons of votes to be had out there. The GOP nominee should be able to cater to those voters with someone that is acceptable to the conservative base. That's all the party has to do to sweep to victory.

So the next question is who is best fit to fill the voter vacuum? Naturally that nominee should be able to not only attract conservative Democrats, Moderates, and Independents but also the base of the Republican party at the same time. Mayor Guiliani is a very smart man and would serve us well in a pinch, but he just can't excite the conservative electorate with his almost-libertarian views on gay marriage and abortion. Mitt Romney is more conservative but he has more flip-flops than the Pancake House on those issues. Fred Thompson is an even better fit but can you really trust someone who used to be a paid lobbyist? Duncun Hunter and Tom Tancredo are very smart men and would both make a great president but they are just too far to the right and would scare off the people at the center just as fast as Hillary and Obama would. John McCain is a great man and quite honorable but he just pissed me (along with the rest of the base) off once too many with his views on Amnesty and his stupid , insane, and UNCONSTITUTIONAL Campaign Finance Law he got passed. And no Ron Paul just won't cut it either. He'd make a great Governor (I'd vote for him for that position in a heartbeat) but the base just won't tolerate his foreign policy views.

So that leaves us with one man, Governor Mike Huckabee. His campaign has been a very interesting one and one that will be written about in political theory books for decades hence. In a primary process in which candidates on the GOP side are having to move to the right to get votes Mike Huckabee has been moving to the Center to get attention. It's almost like he is running his campaign like he has already won the nomination already. He has spoken in front of audiences that no other Republican would dare to speak with (AARP, NEA, Bill Maher, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Environmental groups, Lance Armstrong's Cancer Forum, etc). He is trying to earn their respect and support. Mike's cross-party appeal is unmistakable!

Mike is definitely the most socially conservative candidate out there. Agree with them or not (I don't) he gets a big check mark on all their key issues. He has a 100% Pro Life record. He wants constitutional amendments to ban Gay Marriage and abortion. Plus Huck is a former Baptist minister to boot!

However Mike does not scare off the Independents. His rhetoric on his Pro-life stance is is unlike any other Conservative. Mike believes that life begins at conception but that it does not end at birth. He also believes that we should honior and treasure every human life from conception until death. Mike does not come off as a Zealot like other Christian Conservatives.

On the fiscal side Mike Huckabee is definitely not the perfect fish in the sea. I will admit that right now to you. However do remember what the Governor had to deal with in Arkansas and the political environment was there. Mike had to deal with a stacked deck that was not in his favor. He did cut taxes over 90 times but there were times he had to raise them. For example there was a point in time where he had to increase spending on Education because the courts required him to do so. And there was a budget crisis one year in which the Democrat state assembly would not accept anything other than tax increases to balance the budget (the polar opposite to what Michigan just went through a few months back). At that point Governor Huckabee faced raising taxes or shutting down state government. What would you do in that situation?

Back to my main point. Why is Mike Huckabee the only HOPE for the Republcan party next year? If 2006 is any indication 2008 is still going to be a difficult time for Republicans. That's just an outside observation based on what I have seen and what I know to be true. However I see 2008 possibly being 1994 all over again (but the White House being in play). Let me explain. Mike Huckabee has a trump card in his pocket and it is called the FairTax. While many of GOP Presidential candidates are on board it is Mike who is leading the charge on it. The primary process is front loaded. The GOP will likely have its nominee decided on February 6th. The convention is not until September. There is seven months (a Political eternity) between those two dates. If nominated and if the party unites around him I think Mike can do some damage in November. Mike is a great campaigner and one of the best communicators I have ever heard. All he has to do is go around to the areas that have contested Senate and House seats and he can raise money for those GOP candidates and campaign for himself at the same time! Not only do I think that Mike could win the White House but I think he has the potential to give the Senate back to the GOP and close the gap in the House.

Unlike the other GOP candidates Mike offers a very positive message for Americans that harkens back to Ronald Regan in 1980. Not only that but Mike caters to vertical politics. That is not concentrating on left vs. right but on things that are important to every American regardless of their background. He is not about cutting people down but lifting them up! If there is anyone that can take America back to Regan's "Shining light on a hill" it is Governor Mike Huckabee. No other candidate on either side can even stand close to that.

So my message to the GOP today is this. Do you want to keep the White House? Would you also like a shot at winning back Congress? You would be wise to get behind Mike Huckabee before it is too late. Never mind his perceived shortcomings. Ronald Regan has some of the same shortcomings and he turned out to be one of the finest presidents and leaders we have ever had. Don't make the same mistake twice! Remember the Carter years? That's what you got for not getting behind Ronald Regan until it was too late and you nominated Gerald Ford to go against Jimmy Carter in 1976. If you thought Carter was bad just imagine Hillary or Obama in the White House. I shudder when I think about it. I REPEAT DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE!! The other Republican candidates are fine people but Mike is the only one who can unite our nation again like Regan did. Follow my advice and the mapnext Election Day in November '08 will be filled with Arkansas Red as it was in 1980 and 1984. Trust me!

this afternoon the final GOP debate in Iowa before the January 3rd Caucus was held. The debate was hosted by Iowa Public Television and the Des Moines Register. I have several thoughts.

1. The format was different in comparison to the other debates thus far. Each of the candidates were given equal questions and had equal time to speak to the voters. The moderator of the debate was really strict. She tried her very best to keep the candidates to their alloted time and no more. There was an audience but they were very quiet. the focus was on the candidates and there was no crowd reaction to measure.

2. While the candidates wanted more time to interact with each other the rules of the debate did not allow for this. Thus it was a rather boring debate. There was not a whole lot of new things that voters had not heard before in their stump speeches on the campaign trial.

3. Alan Keyes was the exception today. This was his third debate and he was just as obnoxious and loud as ever. However the "A Word" (Abortion) did not cross his lips in the 90-minute debate so I must give him brownie points. He was highly animated and talked louder and tried to talk longer than anyone. The moderator had much difficulty to get Keyes to shut up. While this made him look like a raving lunatic to me I go several good chuckles out of the encounters and they were great comic relief in what was an absolute snore-fest.

So who won? Unlike other debates the spinning is mixed. I am sort of surprised. This was Fred Thompson's best debate so far but unfortunately for him this was not a debate that most people will see because of the afternoon start-time. Mit and Rudy did well too. They were more positive than usual. John McCain challenged us to be Energy independent in five years (I'm for that!).

So what about Mike? I guess you could say he won by default? Mike is the new frontrunner in Iowa. I expected a lot of attacking of him and his record this afternoon and that was just not the case. This was not his best debate but you can understand why. He's been dodging attacks for the last week and a half and I think even he was shocked that he was not facing more this afternoon. He gave great answers on a few topics. He was very presidential and humble. he was deflated from the uproar caused by an upcoming new York Times interview which takes a question Mike asked about the Mormon religion out of context. He even apologized to Romney despite the fact that he meant no harm. He noted this in spin-room interviews and alluded to it on stage. Mike was definitely remorseful about the damage that had been done.

that's 90 minutes I won't ever have back and my thoughts about them.

The folliwng is a press release that I have just received from Georgia For Huckabee:

Governor Huckabee Receives First Georgia Congressional Endorsement

The following is a press release issued by the Congressman’s Office:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: DERICK CORBETT (678) 773-4866

December 11, 2007

Duluth, GA- John Linder (R-GA) released the following statement announcing his support for Mike Huckabee for the GOP presidential nomination:

"I am proud to announce my endorsement of Mike Huckabee for the GOP presidential nomination. The values and character Mike has shown throughout this campaign are reflective of what America should strive to be. Most importantly, he has shown that he has the tenacity to confront our nation's problems head on. A good example of this is his zeal to replace a broken, crippling, tax system and replace it with the FairTax. This is an idea that I have worked on for over 10 years and I have had the opportunity to talk with Mike about it on numerous occasions. He understands the need for change, and he understands that we are far past quick fixes."

"Our country has reached a point where we need big ideas to affect real change. Mike Huckabee is the only candidate I have seen with the vision and fortitude to bring big ideas to the table, and for that reason, he has my full support."

This is wonderful news! I am proud to say that John Linder is my Representative in the House. Way to go John!

Good morning.

This afternoon at 2 PM Eastern will be the final GOP Debate in Iowa before the Caucus on January 3rd. The debate is hosted by Iowa Public Television and will also re-air this evening around The Hawkeye State. For those of us outside Iowa, the debate will be showing on both CNN and MSNBC this afternoon. While at an odd hour this may be the most important debate yet as this will be the last chance Iowa voters have to see and hear all the GOP candidates at the same time.

STAY TUNED FOR BREAKING GEORGIA HUCKABEE NEWS JUST COMING OVER THE WIRES...

Great news on the homefront today! There is a new Strategic Vision poll out today from my home state of Georgia. The results are as follows:

Mike Huckabee - 23% (+18)
Fred Thompson - 20% (-19)
Rudy Guliani - 17% (-3)
John McCain - 11% (+2)
Mitt Romney - 10% (+4)

Things are looking quite "Peachy" today! :) Are you reading from Georgia and want to help the cause? Click on over to Georgia For Huckabee and sign up as a volunteer today!

Sorry about that yesterday folks. Got busy after dinner. So here we go with the Roundup. There is a ton to talk about.

First of all Mike will be in Iowa this week. Please pray for him for safe travels. They are having a terrible Ice Storm in the Midwest. Pray for all people and all the candidates.

There was a debate last Sunday night translated to Spanish on Univision from Florida. As usual Mike did very well and was well received. Here is the transcript.

Speaking of the Sunshine State, Mike received two key endorsements yesterday. He now has the support of both the State Senate Majority Leader and the State Speaker of The House!

Don't forget to pledge $100 for tomorrow, December 12th, to keep the Huckabus rolling in Iowa and elsewhere.

This Saturday, December 15th is Windshields For Huckabee Day. Check out this awesome blog for more details. My Meetup group will be out that day and participating!

December 29th has been dubbed "I Like Mike Day!" Check out this website to see what it is all about and how you can participate!

There are two new TV ads that are now running for Governor Huckabee. This one is running in Iowa this week:

And this ad is running in Iowa, New Hampshire, & South Carolina (His first ads in NH and SC!):

There are a ton of polls out there and the numbers are good for Mike all across the board! First nationally the Rasmussen pendulum is swinging wildly. After the late week attacks on Mike, Mike fell below 20% and to 2nd place over the weekend. Yesterday saw Rudy with a 5 % lead in the National Daily tracking poll. Today finds Rudy looking up at Huckabee again (22%-21%)! Other national polls are showing the race is tight nationally between Rudy and Mike - The CBS/New York Times and CNN polls have Rudy barely in front but both are well within the margin of error nationally.

Meanwhile a Mason-Dixon poll is confirming the Huckabee surge in The Hawkeye State and confirms Mike's lead in South Carolina and surge in Nevada. Meanwhile a Survey USA Poll from yesterday suggests that Huck is pulling away in South Carolina. According to The Political Wire, there are new polls com,ing out that will show Mike Huckabee surging into the lead in Georgia and into 2nd place in Wisconsin. Woooooooooooooo!!!

BUT WAIT....THERE'S MORE!!!

Janet Huckabee, Mike's wife is in New Hampshire today to receive the endorsement of the New Hampshire wing of the NEA. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE EVER ENDORSED A REPUBLICAN!! She is also doing some other campaigning activities as well.

BIG NEWS JUST BREAKING - Jim Gilchrist, the founder of the Minutemen Project, has formally endorsed Governor Mike Huckabee!!

Also The Political Wire has the first look at the new Strategic Vision Poll to be released from Georgia! When it is officially released it will be a banner headline here because Georgia is my home base. So look out for that.

Also Rasmussen has released its newest Iowa Poll and it definitely confirms the surge in Iowa.

The endorsements come in threes - Huck received the endorsement of former Cleveland Indians pitcher and Hall of Famer, Bob Fellers this afternoon.

If anything else breaks (and based on how today is going something probably will) I will add it here. Stay tuned.

Good evening!

took a break yesterday so this will be a longer roundup than the last few. When it is done that is. There is so much good news right now for the Huckabee camp I am having trouble keeping track of it all. So this is just a placeholder at the moment. Come back in a few hours after dinner and you might be amazed at what is happening.

HUCKABOOM!!!

It's still going strong folks! It amazes even your fellow blogger! Yesterday Newsweek came out with their latest Iowa poll and shows Mike Huckabee with a 2:1 lead on mitt Romney! My gut tells me this is an "outlier poll" but we will have to see how it differs from other polls that are being taken during the same time period. Rasmussen will be coming out with a new poll from The Hawkeye State next week.

Meanwhile there's shocking news from Michigan this morning where we didn't have to wait too long to see what the latest data spit out from that state. There is now a statistical three-way tie in Michigan and Huck leads according to the latest Rasmussen poll! Wow!

In other news: Mike Huckabee has laid out his nine point plan for border security and immigration policy. You can read it HERE.

Happy Saturday everyone!

Good afternoon.

It's time for the latest Mike Huckabee Roundup!

Yesterday was an awesome day for the campaign. It was "Mobilize for Mike" Day. The goal was for supporters to e-mail 100,000 new voters about Mike through the campaign website. Things were slow going most of the day. By dinner time last night the numbers of E-mails sent wasn't even halfway there. But then suddenly as everyone came home from work that number shot up like a skyrocket on the 4th of July! the goal was eventually reached in the 11 PM hour last night. Great work everyone!

Here are some of the latest poll numbers: Rasmussen's Daily Tracker has Mike increasing his national lead on Guiliani. The latest AP national poll has Mike as a strong 2md to Rudy. A 2nd South Carolina poll shows Huck in the lead. Huck has shot up from nowhere to 2nd in an ARG poll of Nevada!

Newt Gingrich says "Mike Can Win!"

We need you help to crank up the Huckabus. Pledge a $100 donation on December 12th today!

Great news from Georgia For Huckabee! the following was a press release they issued yesterday. I am very pleased to see everything coming together. Way to go to my friends Shelby and Don for stepping up to the plate!

NEWS . . . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Shawn Davis, Georgia Communications Director
404-202-2599 (media only)
news@georgiaforhuckabee.com

Mike Huckabee Leadership Team
Forming in Georgia

Past Presidential Electors, Lawmakers
and GOP Activists Top List

National Poll Places Him First in Crowded Field,
First in South Carolina

(ATLANTA, December 6, 2007) -- With a national poll showing Governor Mike Huckabee as the new leader in the race for the Republican nomination for President and many Georgia Republicans still seeking a viable conservative candidate, a leadership team is forming to put the Peach State in his win column on Super Tuesday, February 5, 2008. Congressional districts are being organized and key business leaders and lawmakers are on the Governor’s campaign in Georgia.

Among the key supporters from the business community are Ron Terwilliger and Virgil Williams. Terwilliger, Chairman and CEO of Trammel Crow Residential, is active in civic circles in Atlanta and is the new owner of a yet to be named Atlanta WNBA (Women’s National basketball Franchise) franchise. Williams is a Gwinnett entrepreneur who served on the National Finance Committee for George W. Bush’s Presidential Campaign and was later named a Presidential Elector in the 2000 and 2004 Electoral Colleges. He chaired the campaigns of former Governor and U.S. Senator Zell Miller.

“Governor Mike Huckabee appeals to me because he is authentic and believes what he says,” said Williams of his endorsement. “It takes a bold thinker to push big ideas, such as the fair tax. From an electability standpoint, the American people are identifying with him not only because he is warm and charming, they see him as a unifying force,” said Williams.

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Stan Wise, a Presidential Elector for Bob Dole in 1996 and a surrogate speaker for the late U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell, is backing Governor Huckabee because he is a genuine conservative who can connect with the average Georgian.

“I don’t choose a candidate simply because he or she might have the rank and file behind them,” said Wise. “I want to be inspired. In Governor Huckabee I see a leader who is comfortable in his skin and holds steadfast to his convictions, which has resonated with voters. He will continue to surge as Americans realize he is the social conservative who can fill the current void among the field,” said Wise.

Serving on Huckabee’s Executive Committee from the General Assembly are State Representatives Ed Setzler (Executive Committee Director), Charlice Byrd (R-Woodstock), Melvin Everson (R-Snellville) Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell), Mike Keown (R-Coolidge), Martin Scott (R-Rossville), Tommy Smith (R-Nicholls), Len Walker (R-Loganville), and State Senator Judson Hill (R-Marietta). See full list in progress ...

The state organization will include co-directors Joe Dendy and Sam Teasley, both of Cobb County. Dendy has served in various local and state campaigns, including manager of former State Representative Roger Hines' Congressional bid. Teasley has worked in various positions in congressional and General Assembly campaigns.

Craig Dowdy, of the law firm of McKenna, Long and Aldridge, will serve as Finance Director. Dowdy served as Cobb County Co-Chairman and member of the Georgia Steering Committee and Finance Committee for the 2000 George W. Bush for President Campaign; including the 2000 Bush Recount Team in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was Chairman, Counsel, and Treasurer for Congressman Bob Barr's campaign committees.

Shawn Davis, a public affairs executive with Joe Tanner & Associates, will serve as Communications Director. Davis is a former press secretary for the Public Service Commission and co-chaired Governor Sonny Perdue’s reelection campaign in Cobb County.

Dave McCleary, a GOP activist in Fulton County, will coordinate the Congressional District outreach efforts.

Serving as Congressional District Directors are:
District 1: Pat Tippet and Kay Godwin
District 2: Brad Hughes
District 3: Shelby Barker
District 5: Jim Voyles
District 6: Lori Hullett
District 7: John McGee
District 8: Steve Dillard
District 9: Jane Teasley
District 11: Nancy Hollingshed
District 12: Susie Davis
District 13: Wayne Bray

The organization is building its coalition groups as well. Leading faith based groups will be U.D. Roberts, President and CEO of Brentwood Christian Press of Columbus. African-American outreach will be led by Catherine Davis of Stone Mountain. Supporters of the Fair Tax will be led into the Huckabee campaign by co-directors Gene Key of Fayetteville and Don Williamson of Conyers. The campaign will organize down to the county level.

Momentum for the Huckabee campaign has been building since his strong performance in the recent debates and a weekend surge in the nationwide polls. Rasmussen Reports now has Huckabee in first place for the second day straight. According to today's tracking, Huckabee has earned the support of 21% of the likely Republican Primary voters; three points over Rudy Giuliani. In polls taken in South Carolina over December 3rd and 4th, Huckabee has also taken the lead in South Carolina for the first time in the race with 25% of the vote over Romney and Thompson, both of whom are holding at 18%.

The Huckabee surge may be stronger in Georgia than the national polls indicate. In a straw poll of Republican leaders in the 10th Congressional District, Governor Mike Huckabee emerged the clear winner with 50% of the vote. Approximately 60 Republican Party officials and public officials were in attendance at the November 30 Leadership Conference, which included U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, U.S. Congressman Dr. Paul Broun, State Representatives Barbara Sims, Barry Fleming (Majority Whip), Ben Bridges, Tommy Benton, and State Senators Ralph Hudgens and Nancy Schaefer. State GOP Chairwoman Sue Everhart and twenty GOP County Chairmen were present. According to the 10th District Chairman Dave Barbee, the results of the straw poll were as follows: Huckabee, 50%; Giuliani, 21%; Thompson, 15%; Romney, 9%; McCain, 2.5%; Paul, 2.5%; Hunter, 0; Tancredo, 0.

As the organization builds, updates can be found on the Georgia for Huckabee campaign website http://www.georgiaforhuckabee.com (not an official website of Huckabee for President, Inc.).

That's about all the time I have for the moment. I'll catch Y'all tomorrow with another roundup of Mike Huckabee news!

Good morning everyone!

I am going to be doing more roundups for the next few weeks. We are entering the Holidays and I am also going to be spending less time on the PC. I have a Great Uncle that lives near me who was hospitalized on Thanksgiving. He is finishing his recovery in the guest room (which is mine) so I am helping to take care of him. Family comes first you know!

Look for a roundup this afternoon. There is lots of awesome news and it keeps piling up in a big stack as we speak this morning.

Back when i started this blog in the summer if you told me the race to the nomination in both parties was going to be this fluid I would have said "You are crazy-go-nuts!" However this is exactly what is happening. We are dealing with the longest and most unprecedented Presidential election cycle in history. We are now starting to see the effects of that in December. We are nearing the one-year point for the process and the American people are growing weary of the frontrunners and maybe the process itself. Both America's Mayor, Rudy Guiliani and New York Senator Hillary Clinton, who have been leading their respective packs for what seems like years are free-falling back to Earth in the polls. I don't know which fall is more surprising.

On the Democrat side of things Hillary has been the perceived and assumed nominee from almost the beginning (perhaps since Thanksgiving of 2004 if not 2006). Illinois Senator Barack Obama became "The Rock Star" when he announced his run but fell back. With his new endorsement of Oprah he is gainging steam and momentum. Also smelling blood now is North Carlina Senator John Edwards. Iowa's Caucus process makes this very interesting. A candidate must receive 15% of the vote in each precinct. Supporters of those candidates that don't garner the required support choose between the candidates that do (actually they get a chance to do so). Bad news for Clinton is that the 2nd choice of the 2nd tier supporters is John Edwards. It's not of the realm of possibility that Senator Clinton could come out of Iowa with a 3rd place finish! The shockwaves that would send around the country might cause an entire city's buildings to implode or spontaneously combust! if Hillary holds on in Iowa she wins. If not then it is anyone's game (my guess would be Obama)!

On the GOP side Iowa seems a little less important but that will be entirely known after the process is finished. After leading the pack for months Rudy Guiliani is also fading and falling back to Earth. In Iowa where America's Mayor really isn't playing there is a new leader in former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Bad news for Rudy is that he now trails Mike nationally. The strategy Rudy placed for his campaign is showing chinks. Rudy's strategy is to hold on for dear life until Florida on January 29th which he is strongly supported (but Huck now is in 2nd behind him there all of a sudden). It's becoming more and more likely that Guiliani needs New Hampshire which is Mitt Romney territory (John McCain must do well there of he is finished). At this point it looks like Huckabee vs Romney in Iowa. In New Hampshire Romney vs Guiliani/McCain/Huckabee (he is gaining here too). Rudy will probably win Nevada (which is small potatoes at this point). Wyoming's caucus is anyone's guess (I haven't seen any polling from there...they are wild enough to give Ron Paul a win which wouldn't surprise me at all). Mitt and Rudy are strong in Michigan (but Huck may be gaining there too we'll see what the next poll spits out). The tide is turning in South Carolina for Mike Huckabee and may be actor Fred Thompson & Senator John McCain's last stand. What happens in January will have a drastic effect on Super Tuesday (February 5th) which for all intensive purposes will determine the nomination.

Regardless this is going to fun to watch. We are a month before the fireworks start. Get ready and buckle your seatbelts!

The news just gets better and better! Rasmussen has their latest poll out in the Palmetto State and the news is incredible: Governor mike Huckabee has slingshot himself into the lead! Mike garners 25% support while Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson are tied for 2nd at 18%. Rudy Guiliani who is hoping for a good showing is back in 3rd at 12%. THE STORY IS HERE All I can say is Wow!

Good morning everyone! Today, Thursday is "Mobilize For Mike" Day. What's the goal? The goal is to introduce Governor Mike Huckabee to 100,000 new voters through Mike Huckabee's website. So far we're doing pretty well for the non-peak part of the day. the number of people we have sent E-mails to is now 13,210 through 10:16 AM. We can do better! Open up those address books and let's get those messages flying! the campaign has a few tips to help us out:

Suggestions for emails:

- Focus on friends, family members and co-workers that vote.

- Emails to Independents, Republicans, Democrats are equally important.

- Personalize the message. Don't just send emails to friends asking them to visit the website, please tell them why it is important that they do.

- Encourage them to forward emails to their friends. Our campaign has always been about friends telling friends about Governor Huckabee. This has been very effective. Let's keep that going.

- Ask them to become actively involved in the campaign.

So let's get to it Troops!

I know I'm asking a lot of you guys but Hunker it down ONE MORE TIME!!
-University of Georgia football announcer Larry Munson (November 1982)

There is lots of good news. We've come a long way since the kick in the pants on October 1st. We've met every fundraising goal Mike has set for us since. Mike has consistently risen in the polls and he is now 1st in Iowa, competing in other states (leading one of them, North Carolina outright), and now threatening for the top spot nationally. The fight is not over. We have not won. Let me repeat that - WE HAVE NOT WON. Now is not the time to rest on our laurels. We must fight now harder than before. Attacks are coming from all sides as the "Wall Street Republican" establishment and their special interests have Mike and us in their sight. We now have the target on our backs. Stay strong, Pray hard and keep fighting the good fight. We are less than a month from Iowa. the tide is turning in our favor but we must finish the drill. If we do, WE SHALL BE VICTORIOUS!

What can you do to help in that effort?

1. MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO GET US CLOSER TO OUR DECEMBER 15TH FUNDRAISING GOAL
2. Join Huck's Army and their forum. Our grassroots effort in the next two months is key to our victory!
3. Go sign up your interest in a Mike Huckabee Meetup group. If there is one in your area, join one! If there isn't a group in your area make your interest known or start one up yourself!
4. Don't keep this all to yourself. Spread the word! Tell everyone you know about Governor Mike Huckabee and his positive message of "Hope" for our nation. Join the Huck's Army Special Forces at Save08.org and sign up as many new supporters as you can!

TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE VICTORY AND MAKE HISTORY!!

LET'S ROLL!!!

There is a lot of press surrounding the Wayne Dumond case today, especially after ABC's hitpiece on Good Morning America. The following is Mike Huckabee's response in a press conference when the former Arkansas governor was asked about what happened.

Governor Huckabee: No. I did not. Let me categorically say that I did not. And it's really interesting, if people want to really look into that record. Here's the chronology, and here's the timeline. I'm going to try to do it as briefly as I can, because it's been delved into repeatedly, normally during an election year.

In 1992, Bill Clinton was governor; Jim Guy Tucker was Lieutenant Governor. And during Bill Clinton's governorship, while he was campaigning for president, Jim Guy Tucker signed the papers to commute the sentence of Wayne DuMond to parole eligibility. That's what made him parole eligible in 1992. He had been convicted of rape in Forest City Arkansas, during time of awaiting trial, he was hogtied and castrated; his testicles were later placed in a jar on the desk of a sherriff.

It was a brutal, amazingly, just, complicated case. There were all kinds of questions about the case. Many stories were written; I am sure you can Google all the way back to the 1980s and get more information than you even want on the case. For reasons Bill Clinton and Jim Guy Tucker would have to answer, not me, the sentence was commuted in 1992.

I was not elected to anything at that time; I was a candidate for the United States Senate. I was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1993; in 1996, Wayne DuMond had requested another commutation for time served because the parole board had not granted parole even though he was parole eligible.

Let me make it clear, governors in Arkansas cannot parole anybody. The parole process is separated from governor; the governor can commute a sentence to make it parole eligible. The actual parole is handled completely separate from the governor. Jim Guy Tucker had been convicted of Whitewater related felonies, he resigned. When I came into office in July, the file of Wayne DuMond was on my desk and was transferred to me having been sat there for several months prior to my coming of office.

That request for commutation to time served awaited me. I originally considered it, indicated even an intention I that might grant it. There was and incredible outcry over that, I ultimately requested to deny it. Primarily for the reason I believed there needed to be some supervision; I was not completely confident that it would be appropriate for him to get out without supervision. He had a unblemished prison record - an exemplary record in terms of getting along as an inmate. He had met all the qualifications for being paroled, including having a job lined up, a sponsor with a church I think in Houston, TX, originally.

I chose ultimately not to pardon him. I made a visit to the parole board early in my tenure as a governor at the request of chairman, because you gotta remember, every member of that parole board had been appointed by Jim Guy Tucker or Bill Clinton. Not one of them appointed by me. I'm a new Republican governor, they'd never seen one. I think they had real concern on how to interrelate or how to relate to me. And what kind of attitude I had in general to crime, attitude, parole, etc. So at their invitation, I went to the meeting; someone brought up this case.

Frankly, it was simply part of a broader discussion; I did not ask them to do anything. I did indicate it was sitting at my desk; and I was giving thought to it. But this was probably in, I'm thinking maybe September or October when that meeting was held; I can't remember exactly. The parole board, the following year, early 97 approved his parole plan after I had denied the further commutation.

Subsequent to that, he…I can't remember exactly the timing, he left there, went to MO, unfortunately was later convicted for the murder of one woman and awaiting trial for the murder of another when he died in prison.

It was a horrible situation, horrible, I feel awful about it in every way. I wish that there was some way I could go back and reverse the clock and put him back in prison. But nobody, not me, not Jim Guy Tucker, not Bill Clinton, not that parole board, could ever imagine what might have transpired.

For people to say that I was responsible in getting him out makes a few presumptions - number one, it presumes, I had an influence on Bill Clinton and Jim Guy Tucker in 1992. The second presumption, it assumes I had the amazing persuasive power to go into a board of seven people, all of them appointed by Democratic governors before me and persuade them to do something they didn't wish to do.

It also assumes that, not only did I have that power, but that only two of them changed story about what happened and they didn't do so until 6 years later when we were in the middle of an election year. And after, and subsequent to the fact that I had not reappointed them to their $75,000 jobs on the parole board.

Now if you can follow that line and believe that I am solely responsible, then you'll believe that. But you'll believe a lot of other things as well. I am deeply sorry, and I mean, awfully, just horrified of what happened to (inaudible). And there is not a single person that will ever bring those women back to their families. But that's the story, that's what happened.

And yes it will come up in the presidential campaign. It came up in my governor's campaign. There will be people who are victims who will probably be brought forth to make statements but, you know, I can't fix it. I can only tell the truth and let the truth be my judge.

Followers

Search This Blog

Subscribe To

Help Support HuckPAC

Check Out These Cool Links!

Labels

Monday, December 31, 2007

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Friday, December 28, 2007

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Friday, December 21, 2007

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Monday, December 10, 2007

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Friday, December 7, 2007

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Support the FairTax!

Jack Hoogendyk For US Senate!!!

Contributors

HuckPAC Supports

In Addition This Blog Also Endorses

Huck'sArmy

F3 Coalition

Blog Archive