The problem with Huckabee

[Hazcat]

Reason number 1 of seven;

1) Governor Huckabee did lasting damage to the Republican Party and conservative movement in Arkansas.
It's hard to go after Democrats with a conservative message when your Republican Governor is out front releasing violent criminals, providing state benefits to illegals, pushing tax increases, expanding government spending and programs, and constantly walking an ethical tight-rope (more on each of these items to follow). This tied our party's hands - many conservatives got frustrated, apathy set in, and some quit the fight. In addition:
Huckabee insisted on having "his people" controlling the Republican Party campaign organizations that are set up in Arkansas each election cycle. He also insisted that his guy remain as state party chairman when party leaders planned to make a change. The mismanagement and ineptness that followed was so great that the Republican Party plunged into debt and the Federal Election Commission levied the the largest fine ever against a state political party following an investigation of the 2000 and 2002 election cycles. Obviously, this set back the Republican Party of Arkansas for years.
When Huckabee started his first full term in 1998, Arkansas had just elected a Republican Governor, Lt. Governor, U.S. Senator, and 2 Republican Congressmen. Upon his leaving office in 2007, Republicans now hold no statewide offices, have no Republicans in the U.S.Senate, and only one Republican Congressman remains.
It was often said during Huckabee's term that Arkansas had 3 parties: Republican Party, Democrat Party, and the Huckabee Party.
"He destroyed the conservative movement in Arkansas, and left the Republican Party in shambles." - Phyllis Schlafly, president of the national Eagle Forum
"His support for taxes split the Republican Party, and damaged our name brand." – Former Arkansas State Representative Randy Minton (R)
"I think if they knew [his record] it would totally de-energize them . . . his policies are just wrong." – Former Arkansas State Senator Jim Holt’s (R) warning for conservatives around the country who think they have found their candidate in Mike Huckabee.

More at link http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/blog/g/33391ddb-ed1f-4bc3-9d19-cdca6181d5d4

[Pathfinder]

Reason number 1 of seven;

1) Governor Huckabee did lasting damage to the Republican Party and conservative movement in Arkansas.
It's hard to go after Democrats with a conservative message when your Republican Governor is out front releasing violent criminals, providing state benefits to illegals, pushing tax increases, expanding government spending and programs, and constantly walking an ethical tight-rope (more on each of these items to follow). This tied our party's hands - many conservatives got frustrated, apathy set in, and some quit the fight. In addition:
Huckabee insisted on having "his people" controlling the Republican Party campaign organizations that are set up in Arkansas each election cycle. He also insisted that his guy remain as state party chairman when party leaders planned to make a change. The mismanagement and ineptness that followed was so great that the Republican Party plunged into debt and the Federal Election Commission levied the the largest fine ever against a state political party following an investigation of the 2000 and 2002 election cycles. Obviously, this set back the Republican Party of Arkansas for years.
When Huckabee started his first full term in 1998, Arkansas had just elected a Republican Governor, Lt. Governor, U.S. Senator, and 2 Republican Congressmen. Upon his leaving office in 2007, Republicans now hold no statewide offices, have no Republicans in the U.S.Senate, and only one Republican Congressman remains.
It was often said during Huckabee's term that Arkansas had 3 parties: Republican Party, Democrat Party, and the Huckabee Party.
"He destroyed the conservative movement in Arkansas, and left the Republican Party in shambles." - Phyllis Schlafly, president of the national Eagle Forum
"His support for taxes split the Republican Party, and damaged our name brand." – Former Arkansas State Representative Randy Minton (R)
"I think if they knew [his record] it would totally de-energize them . . . his policies are just wrong." – Former Arkansas State Senator Jim Holt’s (R) warning for conservatives around the country who think they have found their candidate in Mike Huckabee.

More at link http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/blog/g/33391ddb-ed1f-4bc3-9d19-cdca6181d5d4

Sounds like the same thing that happened with George Ryan (a HUGE RINO) in Illinois. Reason #42 why I left that God-forsaken state.

[tombogan03884]

Well that explains why people Hate Huckabee. That leaves Fred and Ron Paul.

[azazal911]

I really liked Huckabee after his speech to the NRA.  Since then I have heard a ton of things he did wrong in Arkansas.  i looked at his site and liked all of his issues...even if he did a bad job in Arkansas would the republican party not keep him in line if they back him after the primaries?

There is no way i am voting for the top three democrates so if not huckabee then who should we be cheering for?

[Hazcat]

I really liked Huckabee after his speech to the NRA.  Since then I have heard a ton of things he did wrong in Arkansas.  i looked at his site and liked all of his issues...even if he did a bad job in Arkansas would the republican party not keep him in line if they back him after the primaries?

There is no way i am voting for the top three democrates so if not huckabee then who should we be cheering for?

The Republican party has not kept anyone else in line.  Just look at the candidates,  Why should we tink they will "control" Huck?

As for who to support...Fred Thompson.

[Sponsor]

[hodman]

Where do I start?  I have lived in Arkansas, the majority of my life.  I have met Mike Huckabee in person and I can tell you that I have never met a more genuine believer in the second amendment. I know for a fact his wife has a concealed carry permit and carries on a daily basis.  Mike Huckabee signed every meaningful concealed carry reform that we have gotten in this state.  He has consistently reduced the cost on acquiring and renewals of permits.  During the dark days of the five-day waiting period before there was instant checks.  Mike took the stance that the federal government was illegally mandating these checks and the state of Arkansas would not perform them. I can say unequivocally that this guy is solid on the second amendment! Now, if you want to beat on him for his religion, if you want a beat on him for social issues so be it.  I accept the fact that some of you have a dog in the fight (I applaud that).  I vote every election, and I give money every election cycle.  I know, almost all of the elected Republicans in the state.  The reason we don't have more Republicans in office in Arkansas is we have not run very good candidates. Fred Thompson is a great conservative candidate and if he is still in the race by the time I get to vote I plan on voting for him.  But just being pragmatic I don't think he's going to make it.  I just get a little worried when I see us on these boards, forming a circular firing squad and then bayoneting the wounded.

[jaybet]

Where do I start?  I have lived in Arkansas, the majority of my life.  I have met Mike Huckabee in person and I can tell you that I have never met a more genuine believer in the second amendment. I know for a fact his wife has a concealed carry permit and carries on a daily basis.  Mike Huckabee signed every meaningful concealed carry reform that we have gotten in this state.  He has consistently reduced the cost on acquiring and renewals of permits.  

There you go, folks. How many candidates do you know that are endorsed by folks in their own state? How much do we really know about Huckabee's "negatives" too? Where do those stories come from?

I'm not talking him up, but if he's solid on 2-A, I've got to look hard at him, especially considering the performance of Fred, and the records of the other guys.

[Rastus]

There you go, folks. How many candidates do you know that are endorsed by folks in their own state? How much do we really know about Huckabee's "negatives" too? Where do those stories come from?

I'm not talking him up, but if he's solid on 2-A, I've got to look hard at him, especially considering the performance of Fred, and the records of the other guys.

Ditto for the stories and that is why I am open.  If Mitt, John & Rudy are bringing up "dirt" on Huckabee that alone causes me to want to know the details....I just don't like other people in the media and politics doing my thinking for me using a half-truth....so I guess I need to get into the issues ya'll say are bad on Huckabee and find out for myself.  I've seen too many times when the masses have latched onto an issue that did not stand up too scrutiny.

[tombogan03884]

So what if he's a crook, They are ALL crooks or they would have real jobs like us. As long as he is a pro 2a crook I can live with that. Heck , I'd take a bribe if anyone bribed machine operators.

[Rastus]

......... As long as he is a pro 2a crook I can live with that. Heck , I'd take a bribe if anyone bribed machine operators.

You don't happen to make barrels or bolts...eh?