Posted on 02/07/2008 7:43:41 PM PST by Kurt Evans
Over the last 15 years, Mike Huckabee has improved and strengthened the Republican Party of Arkansas. From the time he was the U.S. Senate nominee in 1992 until he left the Governor’s office in 2007, Mike Huckabee was a powerful and influential figure in the Republican Party.
By understanding Huckabee’s 10 ½ years of leadership in the proper context, we can see that his leadership strengthened the party, elected Republican candidates, and helped shift the state government to a more conservative position.
We must have accurate historical context when reviewing the relationship between Huckabee and the state party. Huckabee’s election for lieutenant governor in 1993 became the GOP’s first statewide victory in over 10 years. His path to politics came from the private sector, outside the political arena, and led him to be just the fourth statewide Republican ever elected in the State of Arkansas.
Immediately, he brought credibility to the state party and a sense of tremendous excitement to the party faithful who were tired of fielding unsuccessful candidates. Huckabee became the titular head of the state GOP and began without hesitation to raise funds, headline dinners and support the GOP slate of candidates. No one has attended more Arkansas Lincoln Day dinners than Huckabee.
Huckabee’s 10 ½ years of leadership strengthened the Republican Party. Upon becoming Arkansas’ 44th Governor in 1996, Huckabee inherited a state that had been governed by Democratic governors for all but two of the previous thirty-six years. Democratic governors had appointed every member of appointed boards and commissions, and in addition, the 135 seat legislature had only 15 Republican members.
Huckabee stepped onto a stage that Republicans in Arkansas rarely walk on and governed in a difficult environment filled with partisan hostilities. In this environment, he passed conservative legislation, won statewide election in Arkansas four times, and maintained high approval ratings throughout the entire 10 ½ years as Governor.
Huckabee focused on governing to the best of his ability and fighting for the conservative values he espoused. As governor, Huckabee knew that to achieve any legislative success, the sheer numbers required him to reach across party lines. By doing so he scored extraordinary victories that state Republicans could have never achieved without his leadership. Legislatively he pushed through every possible pro-life bill allowable under Roe v. Wade, passed the first broad based tax cut in Arkansas’ history, and streamlined government. All of these were reforms championed by the state party.
Huckabee went on to reform education, refurbish the state’s crumbling infrastructure, improve life for the children of working families, and create new jobs. These results required both leadership and extraordinary political skills. Huckabee excelled at both. It was his compromise with Democrats in the Legislature on legislative details (not principles) that brought these changes about. Though a vocal minority in the Republican Party criticized Mike Huckabee’s willingness to reach across party lines, it was this willingness that allowed him to pass conservative legislation and allowed him to be an effective, forward-thinking governor.
Huckabee won statewide in Arkansas four times. This is more times than any other Republican in Arkansas history. His approval ratings stayed strong throughout the entire 10 ½ years as governor and he trounced any token opposition that arose in the GOP primary.
One legacy that is vital to the future of the Republican party of Arkansas is often overlooked. While governor he made thousands of appointments to state board and commissions.
When he left office in 2007 every single gubernatorial appointee was appointed by a Republican governor for the first time in Arkansas history. Republicans had never had a better seat at the table on these board and commissions.
These appointments put conservatives on every regulatory board in the state. Today, these appointments significantly impact the direction of state government and create a potential farm team for the party to draw from for future candidates for public office.
Huckabee tirelessly campaigned for his fellow party members. As the head of the state party Huckabee sent appeal letters, headlined events, and hosted receptions continually raising funds for the party. He did this for successful and unsuccessful candidates.
This is why he today enjoys the support of former U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson, former Congressman Asa Hutchinson and Jay Dickey as well as Mary Jane Rebick, Sheffield Nelson, Randy Bynum, Betty Dickey, Bud Cummins and, of course, current Congressman John Boozman.
These candidates stumped in town after town with Huckabee and saw his efforts firsthand. They also know that when Republicans lost elections, their governor did not forget about the wounded. Many of these listed and countless others received appointments to key boards and posts in state government upon their defeat in order to utilize their skills.
Huckabee’s efforts on behalf of GOP candidates did not stop with statewide candidates. Huckabee campaigned tirelessly in every cycle on behalf of Republican legislative candidates. He rarely receives credit in the media for these efforts but there are a host of current and past legislators that can attest to his faithful efforts on their behalf.
He raised funds, sent letters, headlined events and stumped for GOP candidates in every part of Arkansas. He also wrote tens of thousands of dollars worth of checks to these candidates from his political action committee, Conservative Leadership for Arkansas.
He campaigned with the same fervor for candidates who were likely to lose as well as those who were likely to win. He also worked for Republicans with whom he had previous disagreements.
In 2004, Mike Huckabee publicly campaigned for state Senator Jim Holt, in spite of their public disagreements at the State Capitol. This is the same Jim Holt being paid by Ron Paul to campaign against Huckabee. It was clear that he was not only a team player but the team captain.
In spite of accusations to the contrary, Mike Huckabee never worked on behalf of a Democrat over a Republican candidate. Huckabee did support conservative Democrats because it is a necessity to govern in Arkansas. He worked with many of them to create winning coalitions in the Legislature, but again, he never campaigned on behalf of a Democrat who had a Republican opponent.
His support of Democrats was limited to Democratic primaries and where conservative Democrats faced no GOP opposition in the general election. It is also important to note that these instances were few and far between.
There is no smoking gun to the accusation that Huckabee helped Democrats. No one will find a contribution, a letter of support, a story about a fundraiser or public appearance on behalf of a Democratic candidate that faced a Republican in the general election.
Come election season, Huckabee did not support Democrats, and Democratic machine did not support Huckabee. Democrats never thought Huckabee was on their team when it came to elections. They worked hard to defeat him and complained about his tireless efforts against them.
One example of this was Huckabee’s hard campaign efforts to defeat the Speaker of the House Bill Stovall in a tough uphill battle for challenger Chee Chee Tamburo. The truth of the matter is that every campaign season Huckabee fought hard for his party and most importantly for his principles.
In 1993, Huckabee took an oath of office to serve the people of Arkansas and he did this without regard to party affiliation. He understood that after the elections were over that the people expected Democrats and Republicans to work together.
They expected results and he intended to deliver those results. He governed on behalf of all Arkansans and made life in Arkansas better for everyone as a result. His record is one that Arkansans are proud of because he governed by his unwavering core principles and a commitment to service.
It is because of his commitment to service that he carried Arkansas from 1993 to 2006, and it is this same commitment that will help him carry Arkansas one more time in 2008.
Huckabee wants the issue managed by State and local governments, as would I.
However, I will always be for the federal government to step in as necessary, to protect and preserve our basic rights, where necessary. Necessity is necessity.
Familiar with the Constitution and federalism, thanks. Meanwhile, two facts: 1. America has developed much more as a nation than anticipated (a natural process in our experiment in repbulicanism), 2. We haven’t amended the Constitution enough, to catch up with that in complete, intellectual honesty.
Nations are good. Nations work. God even instituted them at the Tower of Babel — it’s just the way people work, live, breath, and associate. America is much more a nation than a mere assemblage of states. That, however doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t maintain a federalist system, within its proper, honest context in the Union.
Long live the Union.
[Huckabee wants the issue managed by State and local governments, as would I.]
It’s always a good idea to know your candidate’s position prior to arguing it;
http://news.aol.com/elections-blog/2007/08/30/huckabee-commits-to-nationwide-smoking-ban/
I don't know about your particular situation, but I have read stories about the possible cause of the increase in asthma and allergies is due to the LACK of exposure to irritants, such as smoke during early childhood.
Working in a room full of cigarette smoke is harmful. Stinks.
The studies at the link I gave you says that second-hand smoke is not harmful in the long run. It does stink to some people and can be an irritant to others. A private business can make a reasonable accommodation, or you can go elsewhere.
There are plenty of important governmental regulations regarding harmful chemicals in the workplace. Just that some are addicted to tobacco is no excuse not to include that among them.
There are too many government regulations. As the article at the link states, "the poison is in the dose". We are confronted with poisons everyday in small doses. Our bodies guard against them and in some cases become more resistant due to exposure.
Why should one have to take a lesser opportunity, when others are being rude and abusive to the point of poisoning one's very air?
BTW, "second hand smoke" isn't all second hand. It includes that which is filtered by another's lungs and that which goes into the air, directly.
I do. It is as I said.
Sorry. I must have missed that flip. And flop.
BTW, "second hand smoke" isn't all second hand. It includes that which is filtered by another's lungs and that which goes into the air, directly.
Did you bother to read the article at the link I provided? Did you understand what you were reading? Your continued use of the phrase "poisoning one's very air" suggests otherwise.
What part of the terms "private property" or "private business" do you not get? Why can't a bar or restaurant just decide for themselves if they will allow smoking or not? Why should your health problem limit my freedom?
I am willing to cut people like you and Huckabee some slack because they have been lied to and brainwashed by the anti-smoking zealots. However, your continued denial when presented with the facts is very telling. You are entitled to your own opinions, but you are not entitled to your own facts.
Your positions on freedom and private property rights are not conservative. I get the feeling that you and many others backing Huckabee on this forum are anti-smoking zealots that want Huckabee elected to push your agenda.
No, I didn’t read the article. I can see that smoke comes from both ends of the cigarette.
It is a harful and foolish addiction. We do not have to bend over backwards for those unfortunate ones who engage in it, while on the job.
Period.
“Well. according to RCP McCain has 825 delegates. In addition he has been endorsed by Mitt Romney, who has 291 delegates. I don’t know how many of those are required to go for Romney on the first vote, but presumably most will go for McCain on the second vote.”
So far 808 delegates are officially bound to vote for McCain on the first ballot, and 139 are bound to vote for Romney. You can get the hard count from the New York Times:
http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/results/delegates/index.html
The votes of unbound delegates and the results of subsequent ballots will probably be largely dependent on what happens between now and the end of August.
“Just watched a Huckabee commercial for Tuesday’s primary. It definitely said —‘Vote for me I’m a Christian’”...
I believe you’re lying.
“Those who vote on the basis of identity rather than political positions and demonstrated character and judgement are ‘brain-Rushed’.”
People are brain-Rushed if they’ve been brainwashed by Rush Limbaugh. Those who believe it’s inherently immoral to engage in “identity politics” have apparently been brain-Rushed.
“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”
—John Jay, a Founding Father and the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
————I believe you’re lying.
You may believe anything you like. The first sentence of the commercial is something about his being a believing Christian guiding his decisions.
How about that Obama being ready to save our souls?
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/017003.php
— that’s religious too. If Huckabee loses will you support ‘religious’ Obamma because he is emphasizing his Christianity?
————Those who believe it’s inherently immoral to engage in “identity politics” ....
Read “Liberal Fascism”. The music of ‘identity politics’ was composed by Mussolini and further orchestrated by Hitler. It has important adherents today with Kim Jong Il, Fidel and Hugo. That we now accept it is a mark that our instinct for democracy has ebbed.
“Providence has given to our people ....”
I agree that this is a Christian nation founded on Christian principles. And a principle that has allowed us to excel is religious tolerance and brotherhood. Does your quote mean we cannot have a Jewish President - LDS President? Isn’t that what Huckabee implied by his bigoted LDS remark?
New York Times ... quoted him asking “Don’t Mormons believe that Jesus and the devil are brothers?”
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MDFiY2ZmZDI5NTRkZjhlZjIyMWE5ODdmZmJhZDgyOTA=
I have friends that are Mormons. How do I maintain a relationship with them as Americans if this attitude becomes more popular?
There is always a tension between believing as a Christian and participating in politics. The resolution historically is expressing our beliefs broadly, inclusively and lovingly. Huckabee is not doing that.
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Does wanting Christian leadership mean we ignore Huckabee’s ignorant foreign policy?
NIE? What NIE? [Byron York]
The Politico’s David Paul Kuhn was among a group of reporters who had dinner with Mike Huckabee in Iowa tonight. According to a transcript posted by Jonathan Martin, Kuhn asked Huckabee about the new National Intelligence Estimate on Iran, and it was news to Huckabee:
Kuhn: I don’t know to what extent you have been briefed or been able to take a look at the NIE report that came out yesterday ...
Huckabee: I’m sorry?
Kuhn: The NIE report, the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran. Have you been briefed or been able to take a look at it —
Huckabee: No.
Kuhn: Have you heard of the finding?
Huckabee: No.
After Kuhn explained the NIE’s findings to Huckabee, Huckabee seemed confused about what it meant.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=Yzk1OGE2YzZkZTdkNzg0NTgyMDBjMjE1MTZmZDA3ZmE=
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Of course, Reagan said it best...
....The Founders realized that we must guard freedom of religion with eternal vigilance against tyranny and bigotry. Washington emphasized this in a letter to Moses Seixas of the Hebrew Congregation of Touro .....
Proclamation 5866 — Religious Freedom Week, 1988
September 27, 1988
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America’s creed of liberty has never been expressed better than in the words of the Book of Leviticus emblazoned on the Liberty Bell, ``Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.’’ The American people have long recognized that the liberty we cherish must include the freedom to worship God as each of us pleases. We can all rejoice in noting that a critical step in the history of this freedom was taken nearly two centuries ago this month.
On September 25, 1789, the Congress proposed and sent to the States for ratification a series of 10 Amendments to the new Constitution. This Bill of Rights would safeguard and perpetuate the rights and liberties for which the American people had fought the War of Independence and the States had ratified the Constitution. Because of the First Amendment’s vital clauses — ``Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; . . .’’ — the 199th anniversary of the introduction of the Bill of Rights is a fitting time to begin a week in celebration of religious freedom.
The religious liberty described in this Amendment is the protection of religion and conscience from government interference. It creates neither hostility between government and religion nor a civil religion of secularism. The fundamental principle of religious liberty, that government can neither forbid nor force the people’s practice of religion, was essential to the founding of our Nation. Our leaders knew that faith blesses men and nations alike as it fosters morality and justice. George Washington stated in his Farewell Address, ``Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.’’ The Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which the Congress reenacted in 1789, similarly stated, ``Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of learning shall forever be encouraged.’’
The Founders realized that we must guard freedom of religion with eternal vigilance against tyranny and bigotry. Washington emphasized this in a letter to Moses Seixas of the Hebrew Congregation of Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1790. Our first President noted Americans’ ``liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship’’ and said that it was not ``by the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise, of their inherent natural rights.’’ Rather, ``happily the Government of the United States, . . . gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance. . . .’’
“You may believe anything you like.”
Actually I can only believe what I really believe, regardless of whether I like it.
“The first sentence of the commercial is something about his being a believing Christian guiding his decisions.”
You claimed the commercial definitely said, “Vote for me I’m a Christian”...
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1966874/posts?page=139#139
“How about that Obama being ready to save our souls?”
Michelle was wrong. We can’t fix our own souls.
“If Huckabee loses will you support ‘religious’ Obamma because he is emphasizing his Christianity?”
I’m not sure Obama’s “Christianity” is genuine.
“The music of ‘identity politics’ was composed by Mussolini and further orchestrated by Hitler.”
John Jay called for Christians to prefer Christian rulers long before Mussolini or Hitler were even born. Do you consider that “identity politics”?
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1966874/posts?page=150#150
“Does your quote mean we cannot have a Jewish President - LDS President?”
Of course not.
“Isn’t that what Huckabee implied by his bigoted LDS remark?”
The question wasn’t bigoted.
“I have friends that are Mormons. How do I maintain a relationship with them as Americans if this attitude becomes more popular?”
What attitude do you mean?
“Does wanting Christian leadership mean we ignore Huckabee’s ignorant foreign policy?”
Governor Huckabee’s foreign policy isn’t ignorant.
You claimed the commercial definitely said, “Vote for me I’m a Christian”...
-—Ok, I’ll give you that. Rather than “said” I should have written “implied” or “flavored” or “embodied the theme” or perhaps “Shouted from the Clouds with an Angelic Christian Fanfare”
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John Jay called for Christians to prefer Christian rulers long before Mussolini or Hitler were even born. Do you consider that “identity politics”?
-—Historically speaking, no.
Something happened in the 200 intervening years called Fascism. You might recall something about one hundred fifty million dead in the 1940s and the leader of a mass movement’s encitement to exterminate all the members of one religion. If history meant more to you than finding a quote from a founding father, you would see that identity politics are one key leg of mass movements and oppression.
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“Isn’t that what Huckabee implied by his bigoted LDS remark?”
The question wasn’t bigoted.
——Apparently you are tone-deaf to bigotry. This is not an attractive quality in a Christian. It can happen when one is deeply engaged in identity politics. I am occasionally offended by anti-Christian remarks, I can imagine how much pain this remark caused to Mormons. Kind of like ‘Is it true that you Christians eat your Savior?’
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Governor Huckabee’s foreign policy isn’t ignorant.
-— As I posted, he didn’t know what the NIE’s assessment of Iran’s nuclear program was — THE WEEK THAT IT WAS AN ISSUE!!!
Good G@#, he was running to be Commander-in-Chief.
Israel faces incineration by Iran!!!! As a Christian I
find the potential extinction of the Holy Land pretty unsettling, not to mention the value of having a real democratic ally there.
You are a pathetic apologist, Huckabee himself admitted he was ignorant...
In an interview with the Quad-City Times, Mike Huckabee tried to make excuses for his lack of foreign policy knowledge. He compared the NIE to gossip about Britney Spears, saying he just can’t “keep up with every single thing, from what happened to Britney last night to who won ‘Dancing with the Stars.’”
http://www.digg.com/2008_us_elections/Huckabee_Compares_Iran_Foreign_Policy_To_Britney_Gossip
“Good G@#, he was running to be Commander-in-Chief. Israel faces incineration by Iran!!!! As a Christian I find the potential extinction of the Holy Land pretty unsettling ...”
If you were really a Christian, you’d try not to take the name of our “Good G@#” in vain.
Agreed. Huckabee’s ignorance on this KEY national security issue pushed me beyond my self control. I will say two Our Fathers and 5 Hail Mary’s. What will Huckabee do to correct his astounding ignorance?
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