Mike Huckabee? - The Orange Mane

Arkie · 10-12-2005, 02:55 PM

Ark. governor an intriguing dark horse

Presidential hopeful, independent thinker could win over S.C.

Since the beginning of the year, South Carolina has seen a steady stream of possible aspirants for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination come through the state.

They have included U.S. Sen. George Allen of Virginia, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee and now Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Huckabee was in town Oct. 1 to address a GOP fundraiser on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion.

Five days later, he returned in his capacity as chairman of the National Governor's Association to tour a Charleston health fair with Gov. Mark Sanford -- yet another potential presidential candidate.

Huckabee, a presidential long shot, dutifully answered reporters' questions.

Yes, he is considering a run for the White House. No, he is not down here testing the political waters. And yes, he is "flattered" and "honored" to be mentioned among the dozen or so who are said to be weighing a presidential bid.

South Carolina has become a critical battlefield in the GOP primary process. In recent years, the state -- along with more traditional primary early birds Iowa and New Hampshire -- has helped define and even settle the battle for the nomination.

A September survey of S.C. voters -- conducted by pollster GOP Whit Ayres for the health insurance industry -- showed Giuliani and U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona in a dead heat among those who identified themselves as Republicans.

Giuliani led with 25 percent, followed by McCain with 22 percent. Huckabee didn't register, and 40 percent were undecided.

In the same poll, U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York was the overwhelming choice of S.C. Democrats, with 44 percent. No one else came close.

Fifty-eight percent of those polled said they would vote in the GOP presidential primary, and the rest said they would vote in the Democratic contest.

Huckabee, 49, is an intriguing person, just the kind who could catch fire here.

Some Republicans might not like him because he's not partisan enough.

For instance, he likes -- squeamish GOP voters are warned to look away at this point -- President Clinton.

"I'm not one of those Republicans who seethes with anger every time I see or hear him," Huckabee says. "He's a very gregarious person. I find it impossible not to like him on a personal level."

The governor also is not one who thinks Republicans are always right and Democrats are always wrong.

"That is naive and even immature for anybody in politics to be so blind," he says. "I couldn't do my job as governor of Arkansas if I were a blind partisan."

Here's why: 86 percent of all elected officials in Arkansas are Democrats.

"It would be a ticket to nowhere for me if I were to say I'm not going to talk to those people because I don't think anything they could come up with has any value," Huckabee says. "My experience is that I get a lot more traction from folks who aren't like me than sitting around in a room full of folks who agree with everything I say.

"At that point, my ideas are not going to be tested or sharpened."

Huckabee's a long shot who bears watching.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observe...k/12856893.htm

W*GS · 10-12-2005, 03:35 PM

How did a Republican get elected governor of a state that's so strongly Democratic?

Oh yeah - voter fraud and dirty GOP tricks.

That's how LABF would spin it.

Arkie · 10-12-2005, 09:24 PM

Jim Guy Tucker (D) succeeded Gov. Clinton when he resigned to become President. Tucker was re-elected in '94, but he was convicted in the Whitewater scandal. Huckabee took over, proved himself, and then two years later was elected to a full term. He was re-elected, but this will be his final term due to term limits.

BroncoInferno · 10-15-2005, 07:26 AM

As a South Carolina resident, I have a hard time believing that Guillani will maintain his lead once people realize he is pro-choice, pro-gay marriage. I mean, Jim DeMint won a Senate seat by 10 points in the last election after making a fool of himself nationally by saying that gay people and women with children out of wedlock should not be allowed to teach in public schools. He finally apologized, saying that he spoke with his heart when he should have spoken as a candidate for the US Senate. And the good people of South Carolina voted for this buffoon!

10-12-2005, 02:55 PM	#1
Arkie Ring of Famer Gggggrrrrrr rrrraaaahhh Arrrrhhhn. Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9,082 Adopt-a-Bronco: Quinton Carter	Mike Huckabee? Ark. governor an intriguing dark horse Presidential hopeful, independent thinker could win over S.C. Since the beginning of the year, South Carolina has seen a steady stream of possible aspirants for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination come through the state. They have included U.S. Sen. George Allen of Virginia, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee and now Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Huckabee was in town Oct. 1 to address a GOP fundraiser on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion. Five days later, he returned in his capacity as chairman of the National Governor's Association to tour a Charleston health fair with Gov. Mark Sanford -- yet another potential presidential candidate. Huckabee, a presidential long shot, dutifully answered reporters' questions. Yes, he is considering a run for the White House. No, he is not down here testing the political waters. And yes, he is "flattered" and "honored" to be mentioned among the dozen or so who are said to be weighing a presidential bid. South Carolina has become a critical battlefield in the GOP primary process. In recent years, the state -- along with more traditional primary early birds Iowa and New Hampshire -- has helped define and even settle the battle for the nomination. A September survey of S.C. voters -- conducted by pollster GOP Whit Ayres for the health insurance industry -- showed Giuliani and U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona in a dead heat among those who identified themselves as Republicans. Giuliani led with 25 percent, followed by McCain with 22 percent. Huckabee didn't register, and 40 percent were undecided. In the same poll, U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York was the overwhelming choice of S.C. Democrats, with 44 percent. No one else came close. Fifty-eight percent of those polled said they would vote in the GOP presidential primary, and the rest said they would vote in the Democratic contest. Huckabee, 49, is an intriguing person, just the kind who could catch fire here. Some Republicans might not like him because he's not partisan enough. For instance, he likes -- squeamish GOP voters are warned to look away at this point -- President Clinton. "I'm not one of those Republicans who seethes with anger every time I see or hear him," Huckabee says. "He's a very gregarious person. I find it impossible not to like him on a personal level." The governor also is not one who thinks Republicans are always right and Democrats are always wrong. "That is naive and even immature for anybody in politics to be so blind," he says. "I couldn't do my job as governor of Arkansas if I were a blind partisan." Here's why: 86 percent of all elected officials in Arkansas are Democrats. "It would be a ticket to nowhere for me if I were to say I'm not going to talk to those people because I don't think anything they could come up with has any value," Huckabee says. "My experience is that I get a lot more traction from folks who aren't like me than sitting around in a room full of folks who agree with everything I say. "At that point, my ideas are not going to be tested or sharpened." Huckabee's a long shot who bears watching. http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observe...k/12856893.htm

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Mike Williams: 'I'm going to be an original'	TheManeMan	Orange Mane Central Discussion	89	11-15-2007 11:29 PM
Foxsports team report & Passing camp updates on Mike Anderson	TheReverend	Orange Mane Central Discussion	16	05-17-2005 12:19 PM
Today on Mike and Mike	Northman	Orange Mane Central Discussion	2	04-18-2005 03:43 PM
Mike Williams doubtful for opener	FADERPROOF	College Football Forum	4	08-25-2004 08:54 AM

10-12-2005, 03:35 PM	#2
W*GS Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Earth Posts: 19,511	How did a Republican get elected governor of a state that's so strongly Democratic? Oh yeah - voter fraud and dirty GOP tricks. That's how LABF would spin it.

10-12-2005, 09:24 PM	#3
Arkie Ring of Famer Gggggrrrrrr rrrraaaahhh Arrrrhhhn. Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9,082 Adopt-a-Bronco: Quinton Carter	Jim Guy Tucker (D) succeeded Gov. Clinton when he resigned to become President. Tucker was re-elected in '94, but he was convicted in the Whitewater scandal. Huckabee took over, proved himself, and then two years later was elected to a full term. He was re-elected, but this will be his final term due to term limits.

10-15-2005, 07:26 AM	#4
BroncoInferno Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 12,999	As a South Carolina resident, I have a hard time believing that Guillani will maintain his lead once people realize he is pro-choice, pro-gay marriage. I mean, Jim DeMint won a Senate seat by 10 points in the last election after making a fool of himself nationally by saying that gay people and women with children out of wedlock should not be allowed to teach in public schools. He finally apologized, saying that he spoke with his heart when he should have spoken as a candidate for the US Senate. And the good people of South Carolina voted for this buffoon!