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Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Huckabee Pulls Ahead of Guiliani
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows a new national leader in the race for the Republican Presidential Nomination. While enjoying an amazing surge, Mike Huckabee has earned support from 20% of Likely Republican Primary Voters nationwide. Three points back, at 17%, is Rudy Giuliani. That’s the lowest level of support ever recorded for Giuliani in the tracking poll and represents a seven-point decline over the past week. Huckabee has gained eight points during the same time frame.
Just as significant as the new leader is the amazingly competitive nature of the race. Five candidates are within ten points of the lead and all five could conceivably become the party’s eventual nominee. In addition to Huckabee and Giuliani, John McCain and Mitt Romney are at 13%, and Fred Thompson is at 10%. In what could become a major moment in the campaign, Romney will give a speech on faith and religion Thursday. Huckabee recently declined to comment on Romney’s faith but did say it was appropriate to discuss religion in a campaign setting.
Huckabee has also moved in front of Hillary Clinton in the state of Arkansas.
Polls recently released by other firms have recently shown Huckabee surging but Giuliani still retaining his lead. For example, a recent Gallup poll showed Giuliani leading Huckabee by nine percentage points. The difference between the two results is partly the result of timing as Rasmussen Reports provides new information more frequently than any other firm. On the dates of the Gallup survey, Rasmussen Reports showed Giuliani still leading Huckabee by three. Since the Gallup survey was completed, Huckabee has gained a net six points over Giuliani.
Additionally, Rasmussen Reports screens for Likely Primary voters while Gallup surveyed Adults. Neither approach is necessarily right or wrong, but Primary Voters tend to be more conservative than Republicans generally. As a result, a poll that screens for Likely Primary Voters is likely to show more support for Huckabee than a poll that measures the opinions of Republican and Republican leaning adults.
It remains unclear whether the current round of Huck-a-mania is nothing more than Mike Huckabee’s fifteen minutes of fame of if the former Arkansas Governor has a serious chance of winning the Republican nomination. But, there is no doubt that he has shaken up the race-- Huckabee is also a frontrunner in Iowa, essentially tied for second in New Hampshire, and has pulled to within a single percentage point of Hillary Clinton in a general election match-up.
Just as significant as the new leader is the amazingly competitive nature of the race. Five candidates are within ten points of the lead and all five could conceivably become the party’s eventual nominee. In addition to Huckabee and Giuliani, John McCain and Mitt Romney are at 13%, and Fred Thompson is at 10%. In what could become a major moment in the campaign, Romney will give a speech on faith and religion Thursday. Huckabee recently declined to comment on Romney’s faith but did say it was appropriate to discuss religion in a campaign setting.
Huckabee has also moved in front of Hillary Clinton in the state of Arkansas.
Polls recently released by other firms have recently shown Huckabee surging but Giuliani still retaining his lead. For example, a recent Gallup poll showed Giuliani leading Huckabee by nine percentage points. The difference between the two results is partly the result of timing as Rasmussen Reports provides new information more frequently than any other firm. On the dates of the Gallup survey, Rasmussen Reports showed Giuliani still leading Huckabee by three. Since the Gallup survey was completed, Huckabee has gained a net six points over Giuliani.
Additionally, Rasmussen Reports screens for Likely Primary voters while Gallup surveyed Adults. Neither approach is necessarily right or wrong, but Primary Voters tend to be more conservative than Republicans generally. As a result, a poll that screens for Likely Primary Voters is likely to show more support for Huckabee than a poll that measures the opinions of Republican and Republican leaning adults.
It remains unclear whether the current round of Huck-a-mania is nothing more than Mike Huckabee’s fifteen minutes of fame of if the former Arkansas Governor has a serious chance of winning the Republican nomination. But, there is no doubt that he has shaken up the race-- Huckabee is also a frontrunner in Iowa, essentially tied for second in New Hampshire, and has pulled to within a single percentage point of Hillary Clinton in a general election match-up.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Christmas Parade
Tonight, my family and I participated in our local Christmas parade with a Huckabee for President float. I have to admit that I was somewhat nervous. I wasn't sure exactly what the reaction would be. I told my husband beforehand that I would probably cry if I was booed. But, I had nothing to worry about.
Our float was very simple as I only had a few hours to prepare it. I made a mad dash to Wal-Mart around noon to buy supplies and candy. I bought chocolate in hopes that parents would steal it from their children like I do. ;) When I got home, the kids and I worked like mad putting labels on candy and making a banner to put on the back of my father-in-law's truck. I also bought bags of army men and added tags that said "Join Huck's Army" and the website address.
During the parade, my children rode in the back of the truck waving their Huckabee yard signs. My father-in-law and husband walked and handed out candy while I drove. The response was overwhelmingly favorable! There was an old lady that was booing so loudly that I was afraid she was going to pass out and one old man that yelled "Go home Huckabee". I figure he must really like Mike if he wanted him to come back!
There were many MANY people that were excited to see the Huckabee "float". People were yelling and clapping. I have to admit that I felt pretty stinkin' important. Now I know how Mike must feel when he walks in to a room and people clap and whistle.
"Go Mike" "Mike's doing great!" "Yeah Mike Huckabee". It was awesome!
I enjoyed driving, waving, and giving as well as receiving thumbs up. It was great!
It was said that this year's parade was bigger than it had been in many years. We estimated that there were a few thousand in attendance. For $50 in candy and 30 minutes that's an awful lot of people that we reached tonight. I would strongly encourage all of you to find a local parade to participate in this Christmas season. All you need is a yard sign and a smile. Oh, and maybe some army men. :)
Friday, November 30, 2007
Why I do this....
About a year ago my husband and I started talking about how great it would be if Mike Huckabee ran for president. As residents of the state of Arkansas we've had the opportunity to see first hand the great things Mike has accomplished here.
When Mike announced his candidacy earlier this year I started looking for ways that I could get involved. As a stay at home mom of 4 kids, I wasn't sure there was much for me to do. A few months ago I was preparing to run a local 5k and an idea came to me. I made myself an "I Want To Be Like Mike" t-shirt to wear to races. The shirt featured a picture of Mike crossing the finish line at the Little Rock Marathon. Within a week I had some "Runners for Huckabee" t-shirts made that I gave to some of our local runners and sold to others across the nation. The few that I didn't sell were shipped to New Hampshire where Mike was running a 5K.
I had many non-runners asking me about other Mike Huckabee t-shirts. I looked around on the internet only to find that most of the t-shirts out there are extremely overpriced and none of the money goes to the campaign. After that I decided to have some Huckabee '08 t-shirts made. I sell them for about $5.00 more than the production cost and shipping. That extra $5.00 is contributed to the campaign.
My kids love helping me. I have one child that takes care of the "inventory". Another that packages and labels the shirts for me. And another that likes to pull them back out of the box.
This is our way, as a family, of getting the word out about Mike Huckabee as well as generating some extra income so that we can donate to his campaign.
If you would like a t-shirt, please visit ebay or contact me directly at andysprite2@yahoo.com.
When Mike announced his candidacy earlier this year I started looking for ways that I could get involved. As a stay at home mom of 4 kids, I wasn't sure there was much for me to do. A few months ago I was preparing to run a local 5k and an idea came to me. I made myself an "I Want To Be Like Mike" t-shirt to wear to races. The shirt featured a picture of Mike crossing the finish line at the Little Rock Marathon. Within a week I had some "Runners for Huckabee" t-shirts made that I gave to some of our local runners and sold to others across the nation. The few that I didn't sell were shipped to New Hampshire where Mike was running a 5K.
I had many non-runners asking me about other Mike Huckabee t-shirts. I looked around on the internet only to find that most of the t-shirts out there are extremely overpriced and none of the money goes to the campaign. After that I decided to have some Huckabee '08 t-shirts made. I sell them for about $5.00 more than the production cost and shipping. That extra $5.00 is contributed to the campaign.
My kids love helping me. I have one child that takes care of the "inventory". Another that packages and labels the shirts for me. And another that likes to pull them back out of the box.
This is our way, as a family, of getting the word out about Mike Huckabee as well as generating some extra income so that we can donate to his campaign.
If you would like a t-shirt, please visit ebay or contact me directly at andysprite2@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Time to bring out the stones and a sling!
I have a feeling that tonight's debate is going to be unlike any we've seen thus far. Mike will be on stage with five smooth stones in his right pocket and a slingshot in his left. Those stones are called Immigration, Fair Tax, Faith, Iraq and Education. Mike will carefully withdraw each stone and fire it when the time is right. The opposition will wobble from the blow until they eventually fall on their faces, leaving Mike as the last man standing.
Just as David defeated Goliath, so will Mike Huckabee defeat the political giant that is standing in his way. Fervently pray for Governor Huckabee tonight and especially in the coming months. Goliath won't give up without a fight.
Just as David defeated Goliath, so will Mike Huckabee defeat the political giant that is standing in his way. Fervently pray for Governor Huckabee tonight and especially in the coming months. Goliath won't give up without a fight.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
PICTURES FROM HUCK'S SURPRISE!
More pictures have been posted at the following link from today's flyover and tailgate party:
http://www.forum.hucksarmy.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2446
We don't know for certain if Mike saw the banner. Maybe he'll post a report on his blog to let us know. :)
Friday, November 23, 2007
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
We did it! Thanks so much to all of you that contributed! I am going to keep the 'donate' button up so that you can donate toward the next "flyover". We're hoping to do another by the end of the year.
Here are the details about tomorrows event:
The plane will be flying over Columbia, South Carolina, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The banner will read "Huckabee for President! www.HucksArmy.com".
We should be reaching hundreds if not thousands of tailgaters as well as other commuters and residents of Columbia.
Some of our guys on the ground in South Carolina are going to get pictures and/or video of the event. Check back here for more information in a day or two.
Thanks again to everyone that participated. Below are the names of everyone that contributed:
Lisa King
Wayne Wilkinson
Brian Donegan
Jonathon Hill
Light of Faith
Del & Leslie McMillan
Quad Cities Media
Kristin Murray
Justin Thomas
Karen Mims
Christine Thompson
Swinton Hudson
Howard Ferada
Kerry Ott
Robert Dunn
Sharron Martin
Kyle Baer
Linda Harrington
Helena Creamer
David Bacon
Lori Smith
Alison Doree
Marie Stokes
Lisa Frazier
Jack Somers
Jane Hall
Scott Watt
Courtney Fletcher
Heather Hawkins
Anthony Citringo
Christian Events (UK)
Y'all are the best!
Here are the details about tomorrows event:
The plane will be flying over Columbia, South Carolina, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The banner will read "Huckabee for President! www.HucksArmy.com".
We should be reaching hundreds if not thousands of tailgaters as well as other commuters and residents of Columbia.
Some of our guys on the ground in South Carolina are going to get pictures and/or video of the event. Check back here for more information in a day or two.
Thanks again to everyone that participated. Below are the names of everyone that contributed:
Lisa King
Wayne Wilkinson
Brian Donegan
Jonathon Hill
Light of Faith
Del & Leslie McMillan
Quad Cities Media
Kristin Murray
Justin Thomas
Karen Mims
Christine Thompson
Swinton Hudson
Howard Ferada
Kerry Ott
Robert Dunn
Sharron Martin
Kyle Baer
Linda Harrington
Helena Creamer
David Bacon
Lori Smith
Alison Doree
Marie Stokes
Lisa Frazier
Jack Somers
Jane Hall
Scott Watt
Courtney Fletcher
Heather Hawkins
Anthony Citringo
Christian Events (UK)
Y'all are the best!
Surprise for Huck UPDATE!
I just talked to the ad company and we're not too late to pull off the surprise I wrote about in my previous post. We are only about $500 short. I need contributions sent via PayPal ASAP. There's a 3% PayPal fee that I will take care of.
In the event that we don't get this together, I will personally refund your money via personal check or money order so that we can avoid another PayPal cut.
Please use the PayPal Donate button on the right to contribute.
Let's do this for Huck!
In the event that we don't get this together, I will personally refund your money via personal check or money order so that we can avoid another PayPal cut.
Please use the PayPal Donate button on the right to contribute.
Let's do this for Huck!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
HELP ME SURPRISE HUCK!
I know everyone is "gave" out after yesterday, so I appreciate those that are willing to help with this. :)
I would like to have a banner flown over the Clemson/USC game in South Carolina on Saturday. Governor Huckabee will be at a tailgate party previous to the game and I think it would be an awesome encouragement and surprise to him!
In talking with three different aerial advertising companies, only 1 would be able to do it. I talked to them on the phone after I received the following email. They need to know something ASAP as there are "other candidates" wanting to fly over as well. I need to give them a definitive answer within the next few hours.
Here's the email I received form that company:
Hi Andrea,Good morning. We have you confirmed now. This is a popular game and we now need to bring in another aircraft from the Atlanta area to accommodate you. The cost for two hrs (minimum) will be $1,050 (inclusive of your banner production) and a $500 roundtrip ferry fee for movement of equipment, banner, and personnel. So your total would be $1,550 net.
Please let me know immediately if you would like to proceed and we can then take care of the paperwork and get you scheduled.
Thanks,
Max
So far I have $285 pledged. That leaves $1265. We can have a maximum of 45 characters on the sign. We need 45 people "purchase" a letter for $28/each.
I'm posting this on my blog and the main site. Please PM or email me if you'd like to help or if you have any suggestions. Thanks y'all!
andysprite2@yahoo.com
You can send donations to me or directly to the company via phone or PayPal.
I would like to have a banner flown over the Clemson/USC game in South Carolina on Saturday. Governor Huckabee will be at a tailgate party previous to the game and I think it would be an awesome encouragement and surprise to him!
In talking with three different aerial advertising companies, only 1 would be able to do it. I talked to them on the phone after I received the following email. They need to know something ASAP as there are "other candidates" wanting to fly over as well. I need to give them a definitive answer within the next few hours.
Here's the email I received form that company:
Hi Andrea,Good morning. We have you confirmed now. This is a popular game and we now need to bring in another aircraft from the Atlanta area to accommodate you. The cost for two hrs (minimum) will be $1,050 (inclusive of your banner production) and a $500 roundtrip ferry fee for movement of equipment, banner, and personnel. So your total would be $1,550 net.
Please let me know immediately if you would like to proceed and we can then take care of the paperwork and get you scheduled.
Thanks,
Max
So far I have $285 pledged. That leaves $1265. We can have a maximum of 45 characters on the sign. We need 45 people "purchase" a letter for $28/each.
I'm posting this on my blog and the main site. Please PM or email me if you'd like to help or if you have any suggestions. Thanks y'all!
andysprite2@yahoo.com
You can send donations to me or directly to the company via phone or PayPal.
Monday, November 19, 2007
THE BIG DAY!
November 20th is here! We need everyone to participate in order to make this day a success. Please go to www.mikehuckabee.com or click the Ranger widget on the right to make your donation of any amount.
I also encourage you to email and call everyone you know that is supporting Mike Huckabee for president. Let's make November 20th a HuckaDay to remember. Write on your car windows. Wave signs. Wear Huckabee t-shirts. Together we can cause a huge Huckabee surge! Start giving!
I also encourage you to email and call everyone you know that is supporting Mike Huckabee for president. Let's make November 20th a HuckaDay to remember. Write on your car windows. Wave signs. Wear Huckabee t-shirts. Together we can cause a huge Huckabee surge! Start giving!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
New Fundraising Challenge
I have ordered some Huckabee '08 t-shirts and I would like to make a challenge to my readers.....
1) I would like to send a free t-shirt to the people that cause the ticker to hit the following markers during the remainder of this month:
$750,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,067,521
2) I will also send a t-shirt to the first 5 individuals who max their donations ($2300) on the 20th of November.
I will be in touch with the campaign headquarters to find out who makes the stated donations.
Start giving!!!
1) I would like to send a free t-shirt to the people that cause the ticker to hit the following markers during the remainder of this month:
$750,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,067,521
2) I will also send a t-shirt to the first 5 individuals who max their donations ($2300) on the 20th of November.
I will be in touch with the campaign headquarters to find out who makes the stated donations.
Start giving!!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
National Right to Life endorses Thompson
To the great disappointment of this blogger, I just read that the National Right to Life Committee has officially endorsed Fred Thompson. This is something that is beyond my comprehension. Fred Thompson has stated repeatedly that he does not support a constitutional amendment banning all abortions. I am extremely bothered that such a great organization would sell out to a candidate that is so obviously weak on the very issue they fight for.
According to other bloggers who made calls to NRLC, their choice was primarily based on electability. Have they not seen the polls? Fred's ship is slowly sinking while Mike Huckabee's is on a steady course to the White House.
Even though an official endorsement has been announced, I believe it's never too late for the NRLC to withdraw. Let's keep calling and writing. Let them know that we disagree with this endorsement and that they are going to lose support.
202-626-8800 (NRLC)
202-626-8805 (NRLC PAC)
FAX: (202) 737-9189
And this email address: NRLC@nrlc.org
According to other bloggers who made calls to NRLC, their choice was primarily based on electability. Have they not seen the polls? Fred's ship is slowly sinking while Mike Huckabee's is on a steady course to the White House.
Even though an official endorsement has been announced, I believe it's never too late for the NRLC to withdraw. Let's keep calling and writing. Let them know that we disagree with this endorsement and that they are going to lose support.
202-626-8800 (NRLC)
202-626-8805 (NRLC PAC)
FAX: (202) 737-9189
And this email address: NRLC@nrlc.org
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Wildmon to Endorse Huckabee
It was reported this morning that Don Wildmon, President and Founder of the American Family Association, is to announce his endorsement of Governor Mike Huckabee today.
Dr. James Dobson, President of Focus on the Family, is expected to announce his endorsement this week.
Please take the time to email or call these men and encourage them in their endorsements.
Their contact information is as follows"
Dr. Dobson:
1-800-A-FAMILY
or via online form at
http://family.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?p_sid=11O4Xemi&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=14190
Don Wildmon:
1-662-844-5036
or via the online form at
http://www.afa.net/contact.asp
Here's another great article about Mike that was published today:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=071108141300.itqpvuim&show_article=1
Dr. James Dobson, President of Focus on the Family, is expected to announce his endorsement this week.
Please take the time to email or call these men and encourage them in their endorsements.
Their contact information is as follows"
Dr. Dobson:
1-800-A-FAMILY
or via online form at
http://family.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?p_sid=11O4Xemi&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=14190
Don Wildmon:
1-662-844-5036
or via the online form at
http://www.afa.net/contact.asp
Here's another great article about Mike that was published today:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=071108141300.itqpvuim&show_article=1
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Little Rock Meet-Up
We finally have a Little Rock Meet Up group! If you're interested please go to the following link to sign up.
http://mikehuckabee.meetup.com/76
http://mikehuckabee.meetup.com/76
Road to the White House: Huckabee in Iowa
KATV channel 7 from Little Rock is doing a series this week called Arkansans on the Road to the White House. Below is the link for the story about Mike Huckabee. Be sure to watch the video!
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1107/470117.html
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1107/470117.html
Arkansas Republicans Heart Mike
This article was taken from the Nov. 6th edition of the Arkansas times.
Arkie Repubs heart Mike
Stung by recent Arkansas Republican criticism, Mike Huckabee has rounded up some local Republicans who'll vouch for hm. Full news release on the jump, but it would appear he's upped his support among sitting GOP legislators from 9 in a recent Democrat-Gazette survey to 13 of the 33.
Note to Huck staff: I believe it's Shawn, not Shane, Womack. And Doug Matayo is a former representative, not senator.
I'm also happy to see Dennis "What we need is another 9/11" Milligan, state chair, is on board the Huckabee bandwagon.
Gov. Mike Huckabee Launches Arkansas GOP Leadership Team Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee announced the launch of his Arkansas GOP Leadership team today – a group that includes a growing list of current and former federal and state Republican officials from the Natural State.
"Republican in Arkansas have a long track record of taking on difficult tasks, overcoming tremendous challenges and winning battles that no one thought we could win," Huckabee said. "Despite being in a mostly Democrat state, we had great success in cutting taxes, passing pro-life legislation, fighting for the family, improving education and highways and making government more efficient."
"I have known Governor Huckabee for many years, and at one time, I served as his Chief Legal Counsel," former U.S. Attorney Bud Cummins said. "He is a true leader, who makes firm, informed decisions based on simple standards of right and wrong and what is best for the citizens who elected him. He owns his decisions and doesn't need to take a poll before deciding to do what's right. He has been so successful with his straightforward approach that it makes you wonder why more of these people don't try it."
"The two main reasons I support Gov. Huckabee for President are the fact that he has always been pro-life – and he has more than 10 years of executive experience," former Cong. Jay Dickey said. "Gov. Huckabee far outdistances himself from the other candidates by his outstanding moral values and conservative convictions."
"For the past 14 years, I have watched Mike Huckabee lead our state," former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson said. "He fought the Democrat machine in Arkansas and brought honor and dignity to our highest office. He has campaigned long and hard for our Republican candidates to help build a better Arkansas ."
"I had the privilege of serving for eight years in the legislature during the Huckabee administration," Sen. Shane Womack said. "Anyone who saw his leadership during the Hurricane Katrina relief effort had to be impressed by the way he was able to organize the resources of the state to provide relief and comfort to the tens of thousands of evacuees."
"My experience with Gov. Huckabee that of a man who was thoughtful and well reasoned in his decisions," Sen. Doug Matayo said. " Arkansas is much better off because Mike Huckabee was our Governor. He is the best choice for president and I completely support his candidacy."
The following is a list of those who have signed on as members of Huckabee's Arkansas GOP Leadership Team:
§ Bud Cummins – Former U.S. Attorney
§ John Paul Hammerschmidt – Former U.S. Congressman
§ Asa Hutchinson – Former U.S. Congressman
§ Tim Hutchinson – Former U.S. Senator
§ Jay Dickey – Former U.S. Congressman
§ Betty Dickey – Former Chief Justice of Ark. Supreme Court
§ John Boozman – U.S. Congressman
§Dennis Milligan – Arkansas Republican Party Chairman
§ Gay White – Former First Lady of Arkansas
Lisenne Rockefeller – Widow of the Late Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller
Jim Burnett – Republican National Committeeman & Former NTSB Chairman
Reta Hamilton – Republican National Committeewoman
Phyllis Kincannon – Arkansas Republican Party Activist
Prissy Hickerson – Former Arkansas HighwayCommissioner
Doyle Webb – Former State Senator
Barbara Webb – Former Saline County Prosecutor
Phil Wyrick – Former State Senator
Carolyn Pollen – Former State Representative
Gilbert Baker – State Senator
Ruth Whitaker – State Senator
Sharon Trusty – State Senator
Denny Altes – State Senator
Bill Pritchard – State Senator
Michael Lamoureux –State Representative and House Minority Leader
Mark Martin – State Representative
Jim Medley – State Representative
Frank Glidewell – State Representative
Bryan King – State Representative
Beverly Pyle – State Representative
Rick Green –Sate Representative
Mary Beth Green – Former State Representative
David Haak – Former State Representative
Doug Matayo – Former State Representative
Sarah Agee – Former State Representative
Hoyt Johnson – Former State Representative
Marvin Childers – Former State Representative
Andy Mayberry – Former U.S. Representative Candidate
Joyce Campbell – Former State Rep. Candidate
Chee Chee Tamburo – Former State Rep. Candidate
Wayne Bowen – Justice of the Peace
Carol Lester – Arkansas County Chairman
Mark Dye – Scott County GOP Chairman
Ladon Copelin – GOP Party Activist
Bernard Mize – Polk County Chair
Billie Sue Hoggard – Former State Representative Candidate
"I'm proud to have these fellow Republicans on my team," Huckabee said. "Their support, combined with the growing momentum of the campaign, will give us what we need for a strong showing in Iowa and the early primary states."
Arkie Repubs heart Mike
Stung by recent Arkansas Republican criticism, Mike Huckabee has rounded up some local Republicans who'll vouch for hm. Full news release on the jump, but it would appear he's upped his support among sitting GOP legislators from 9 in a recent Democrat-Gazette survey to 13 of the 33.
Note to Huck staff: I believe it's Shawn, not Shane, Womack. And Doug Matayo is a former representative, not senator.
I'm also happy to see Dennis "What we need is another 9/11" Milligan, state chair, is on board the Huckabee bandwagon.
Gov. Mike Huckabee Launches Arkansas GOP Leadership Team Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee announced the launch of his Arkansas GOP Leadership team today – a group that includes a growing list of current and former federal and state Republican officials from the Natural State.
"Republican in Arkansas have a long track record of taking on difficult tasks, overcoming tremendous challenges and winning battles that no one thought we could win," Huckabee said. "Despite being in a mostly Democrat state, we had great success in cutting taxes, passing pro-life legislation, fighting for the family, improving education and highways and making government more efficient."
"I have known Governor Huckabee for many years, and at one time, I served as his Chief Legal Counsel," former U.S. Attorney Bud Cummins said. "He is a true leader, who makes firm, informed decisions based on simple standards of right and wrong and what is best for the citizens who elected him. He owns his decisions and doesn't need to take a poll before deciding to do what's right. He has been so successful with his straightforward approach that it makes you wonder why more of these people don't try it."
"The two main reasons I support Gov. Huckabee for President are the fact that he has always been pro-life – and he has more than 10 years of executive experience," former Cong. Jay Dickey said. "Gov. Huckabee far outdistances himself from the other candidates by his outstanding moral values and conservative convictions."
"For the past 14 years, I have watched Mike Huckabee lead our state," former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson said. "He fought the Democrat machine in Arkansas and brought honor and dignity to our highest office. He has campaigned long and hard for our Republican candidates to help build a better Arkansas ."
"I had the privilege of serving for eight years in the legislature during the Huckabee administration," Sen. Shane Womack said. "Anyone who saw his leadership during the Hurricane Katrina relief effort had to be impressed by the way he was able to organize the resources of the state to provide relief and comfort to the tens of thousands of evacuees."
"My experience with Gov. Huckabee that of a man who was thoughtful and well reasoned in his decisions," Sen. Doug Matayo said. " Arkansas is much better off because Mike Huckabee was our Governor. He is the best choice for president and I completely support his candidacy."
The following is a list of those who have signed on as members of Huckabee's Arkansas GOP Leadership Team:
§ Bud Cummins – Former U.S. Attorney
§ John Paul Hammerschmidt – Former U.S. Congressman
§ Asa Hutchinson – Former U.S. Congressman
§ Tim Hutchinson – Former U.S. Senator
§ Jay Dickey – Former U.S. Congressman
§ Betty Dickey – Former Chief Justice of Ark. Supreme Court
§ John Boozman – U.S. Congressman
§Dennis Milligan – Arkansas Republican Party Chairman
§ Gay White – Former First Lady of Arkansas
Lisenne Rockefeller – Widow of the Late Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller
Jim Burnett – Republican National Committeeman & Former NTSB Chairman
Reta Hamilton – Republican National Committeewoman
Phyllis Kincannon – Arkansas Republican Party Activist
Prissy Hickerson – Former Arkansas HighwayCommissioner
Doyle Webb – Former State Senator
Barbara Webb – Former Saline County Prosecutor
Phil Wyrick – Former State Senator
Carolyn Pollen – Former State Representative
Gilbert Baker – State Senator
Ruth Whitaker – State Senator
Sharon Trusty – State Senator
Denny Altes – State Senator
Bill Pritchard – State Senator
Michael Lamoureux –State Representative and House Minority Leader
Mark Martin – State Representative
Jim Medley – State Representative
Frank Glidewell – State Representative
Bryan King – State Representative
Beverly Pyle – State Representative
Rick Green –Sate Representative
Mary Beth Green – Former State Representative
David Haak – Former State Representative
Doug Matayo – Former State Representative
Sarah Agee – Former State Representative
Hoyt Johnson – Former State Representative
Marvin Childers – Former State Representative
Andy Mayberry – Former U.S. Representative Candidate
Joyce Campbell – Former State Rep. Candidate
Chee Chee Tamburo – Former State Rep. Candidate
Wayne Bowen – Justice of the Peace
Carol Lester – Arkansas County Chairman
Mark Dye – Scott County GOP Chairman
Ladon Copelin – GOP Party Activist
Bernard Mize – Polk County Chair
Billie Sue Hoggard – Former State Representative Candidate
"I'm proud to have these fellow Republicans on my team," Huckabee said. "Their support, combined with the growing momentum of the campaign, will give us what we need for a strong showing in Iowa and the early primary states."
New Endorsement
Randy Alcorn released an official endorsement of Mike Huckabee today. Please take the time to read this. It is a great write up!
www.randyalcorn.blogspot.com
www.randyalcorn.blogspot.com
November 6th Rasmussen Report
For the first time in this presidential race, Mike Huckabee is in 3rd place among Republican contenders according to a nationwide poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports. Rudy Giuliani maintains his lead with 24%. Fred Thompson is at 16%. While Mike Huckabee has 14% which puts him one point above John McCain and 3 points over Mitt Romney.
Huckabee had a 2 point gain today while McCain, Romney, and Thompson all saw their numbers drop. Since October 1st, Huckabee's support percentage has more than doubled! This is exciting news for the Huckabee campaign as they continue to be the only candidate with a consistent steady rise in support.
For more information on the Rasmussen Report go to:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/daily_presidential_tracking_polling_history
Huckabee had a 2 point gain today while McCain, Romney, and Thompson all saw their numbers drop. Since October 1st, Huckabee's support percentage has more than doubled! This is exciting news for the Huckabee campaign as they continue to be the only candidate with a consistent steady rise in support.
For more information on the Rasmussen Report go to:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/daily_presidential_tracking_polling_history
Huckabee's Visit to Prestonwood Baptist in Plano, TX
On Sunday, November 4th, Governor Huckabee made a campaign stop in Plano, Texas, where he preached at Prestonwood Baptist Church. To view Fox 4's report on this campaign stop, click this link:
http://www.prestonwood.org/index_plano.php
http://www.prestonwood.org/index_plano.php
Monday, November 5, 2007
Another great article....pass this one around!
Supporting Huckabee
By Loreen Daniels
Milford
It is very important for me to help the people of this area to understand the importance of knowing that the purpose of a primary is NOT to vote for the most popular person who they think has a good chance of winning the election, unless of course, that person has all the qualities to lead our country; but the purpose of a primary is to vote for the best person who one thinks will make the best president, no matter how much or how little press he gets.
There are candidates out there with little money to spend, but would make much better candidates for the presidency than all the ones with the big bucks that make the headlines every day! The one I am supporting is Gov. Mike Huckabee. He has no baggage, has genuine integrity, a real vision for America and the most COMMON SENSE I have seen in a candidate so far as well as successful experience in his home state of Arkansas as governor. You can go on the internet and find out what Mike is all about and I encourage you to do so via his website: Mike Huckabee.com, so you can make an informed decision come primary day.
I encourage you to do the same regarding any other candidates that are running but not getting any press because they are considered an "underdog". Voting in a primary or in the general election shouldn't be a popularity contest! It's the time to vote with your heart of who the best candidate for the job should be. Choose who you think should win, not what the press envisions as the winner.
By Loreen Daniels
Milford
It is very important for me to help the people of this area to understand the importance of knowing that the purpose of a primary is NOT to vote for the most popular person who they think has a good chance of winning the election, unless of course, that person has all the qualities to lead our country; but the purpose of a primary is to vote for the best person who one thinks will make the best president, no matter how much or how little press he gets.
There are candidates out there with little money to spend, but would make much better candidates for the presidency than all the ones with the big bucks that make the headlines every day! The one I am supporting is Gov. Mike Huckabee. He has no baggage, has genuine integrity, a real vision for America and the most COMMON SENSE I have seen in a candidate so far as well as successful experience in his home state of Arkansas as governor. You can go on the internet and find out what Mike is all about and I encourage you to do so via his website: Mike Huckabee.com, so you can make an informed decision come primary day.
I encourage you to do the same regarding any other candidates that are running but not getting any press because they are considered an "underdog". Voting in a primary or in the general election shouldn't be a popularity contest! It's the time to vote with your heart of who the best candidate for the job should be. Choose who you think should win, not what the press envisions as the winner.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
How Huckabee Could Rock the 2008 Vote
I found this article today in the Washington Post. It is fantastic! Please take a moment to read it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/02/AR2007110201646.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/02/AR2007110201646.html
Friday, November 2, 2007
The Huckabee Boomlet: A commentary by Dick Morris
Arkansas ex-Gov. Mike Huckabee is shaking up the Republican race.
Think of the primary process as a tennis tournament. On the center court, in the semi-final, Rudy Giuliani is defeating John McCain in straight sets. But on the right court, low-seeded Huckabee beat Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback in the quarter-finals for the designation of "Christian Coalition" challenger - and now will face off against ex-Sen. Fred Thompson and Massachusetts ex-Gov. Mitt Romney in the right-court semi-final. The winner will meet Rudy in the finals.
Huckabee's national poll numbers are rising. Scott Rasmussen has him at 10 percent nationally and in third place at 18 percent in Iowa, where he trails Thompson by 1 percent and Romney by 7 percent (see Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll).
Thompson's campaign has been a disaster - from his comment that Osama bin Laden was entitled to due process to his refusal to sign a no-tax pledge. The average of the last five national polls shows him trailing Rudy, 28-18, and only barely ahead of Romney and McCain.
Thanks to heavy advertising, Romney leads in Iowa and New Hampshire - but his edge is dwindling, and he's never broken 16 percent in any national poll.
Why doesn't this charismatic, articulate candidate catch on? Part of it is blatant anti-Mormon bigotry. But part of it is his flip-flop-flip on abortion: As a candidate in liberal Massachusetts, he switched from pro-life to pro-choice; then, as he got ready for this race, he switched back to pro-life again.
Huckabee, who has risen rapidly without either money or organization, is the most interesting phenomenon in either party's race (and the only surprise). He finished second to Romney in the Ames, Iowa straw poll with 18 percent. That's significant because you had to pay $35 to vote. Romney wrote out checks for anyone and everyone, but Huckabee said, "I can't afford to buy you. I can't even afford to rent you" - and came in strong anyway.
More recently, he swept last weekend's Values Voters convention among those who appeared in person. (He lost by less than one point overall to Romney, whose tally included a mass of Internet votes.)
Why the Huckabee boomlet? A gripping, humorous, passionate orator, he brings a spiritual dimension to public-policy problems. His ideas are interesting. Want lower health-care costs? Tackle obesity and smoking. Education reform? Music and art education are just as important to our national creativity as science and math.
He has a good chance to be the front-ranking challenger to Giuliani in the national primary on Feb. 5. He might beat Rudy - or at least earn a VP designation, because Giuliani will be anxious to appeal to Christian-right voters.
Dick Morris, a Fox News Analyst and author of several books, is a former advisor to Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss) and President Bill Clinton.
Think of the primary process as a tennis tournament. On the center court, in the semi-final, Rudy Giuliani is defeating John McCain in straight sets. But on the right court, low-seeded Huckabee beat Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback in the quarter-finals for the designation of "Christian Coalition" challenger - and now will face off against ex-Sen. Fred Thompson and Massachusetts ex-Gov. Mitt Romney in the right-court semi-final. The winner will meet Rudy in the finals.
Huckabee's national poll numbers are rising. Scott Rasmussen has him at 10 percent nationally and in third place at 18 percent in Iowa, where he trails Thompson by 1 percent and Romney by 7 percent (see Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll).
Thompson's campaign has been a disaster - from his comment that Osama bin Laden was entitled to due process to his refusal to sign a no-tax pledge. The average of the last five national polls shows him trailing Rudy, 28-18, and only barely ahead of Romney and McCain.
Thanks to heavy advertising, Romney leads in Iowa and New Hampshire - but his edge is dwindling, and he's never broken 16 percent in any national poll.
Why doesn't this charismatic, articulate candidate catch on? Part of it is blatant anti-Mormon bigotry. But part of it is his flip-flop-flip on abortion: As a candidate in liberal Massachusetts, he switched from pro-life to pro-choice; then, as he got ready for this race, he switched back to pro-life again.
Huckabee, who has risen rapidly without either money or organization, is the most interesting phenomenon in either party's race (and the only surprise). He finished second to Romney in the Ames, Iowa straw poll with 18 percent. That's significant because you had to pay $35 to vote. Romney wrote out checks for anyone and everyone, but Huckabee said, "I can't afford to buy you. I can't even afford to rent you" - and came in strong anyway.
More recently, he swept last weekend's Values Voters convention among those who appeared in person. (He lost by less than one point overall to Romney, whose tally included a mass of Internet votes.)
Why the Huckabee boomlet? A gripping, humorous, passionate orator, he brings a spiritual dimension to public-policy problems. His ideas are interesting. Want lower health-care costs? Tackle obesity and smoking. Education reform? Music and art education are just as important to our national creativity as science and math.
He has a good chance to be the front-ranking challenger to Giuliani in the national primary on Feb. 5. He might beat Rudy - or at least earn a VP designation, because Giuliani will be anxious to appeal to Christian-right voters.
Dick Morris, a Fox News Analyst and author of several books, is a former advisor to Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss) and President Bill Clinton.
Worth a thousand words
Does this scare the bejeebers out of anybody else? Obviously we don't know what was truly taking place in this picture. But, I think the fact that Obama is the only one without his hand over his heart says enough. Whether it was the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance Obama wasn't participating. If you take this photo and add it to the lapel pin thing, you get one unpatriotic Presidential candidate. Another question....what's Bill Richardson looking at?
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Stumper Interview: Mike Huckabee on Music
This interview was posted on NewsWeek.com today written by Andrew Romano. I thought it was great and wanted to share.
"October was a good month for Mike Huckabee. He won the Value Voters straw poll; he shot to second in Iowa; he was forced to upgrade his Web site servers three times; and he raise more money than in any previous totals--in the past week alone. But the real news--for your music-obsessed Stumper, at least--was that Huckabee broke out his bass for the first time since August for his Oct. 26 set at the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.
I'm only half-kidding. In my view, Huckabee's music is more than a novelty. It proves that he's a politician with a passion other than politics--a human being, in other words. With that in mind, I sat down with Huckabee before the Surf show to talk about his life in rock 'n' roll, how music informs his policy--and what his bass playing says about how he'd lead as president.
Excerpts:
How'd you get started with music?
I started when I was 11 and I wanted a guitar really badly. I wanted my parents to get me one for Christmas and they really couldn't afford it. I'd kind of given up. Christmas 1966, I was 11 years old. Christmas morning, I open my Christmas present-and there it was! An electric guitar from the J.C. Penney catalog. Included an amp, a strap, everything. It was $99 for the whole thing. Took them a year to pay off. I played 'til my fingers bled.
Why did you want the guitar in the first place?
The Beatles were coming on! The Beatles came out, like, in late '63 and early '64, and from that time on I wanted to play. I guess every kid of my generation did. About age 12, it occurred to me, a lot of people were playing guitar but very few people were playing bass. So it occurred to me: if I took up bass, I'd probably always be able to be in a band. So that's what I did. Switched over to bass and I've been playing ever since.
You never went back?
I still play six string. I've got several guitars. I fool around on them occasionally, but not very often. I'm not great. I can play rhythm, hang in there with somebody.
Is there something specific about bass, other than the practicality of being in band, that really drew you to it?
Well, of course, now I understand musically that it's really a percussion instrument. It's really a foundation instrument. A lot people think of it as one of the guitars. But truthfully, it locks with the drums. I also played drums, later on. I picked up drums and played in some bands as a drummer. Which was a real easy transition. Because you're head is there and you understand the rhythm patterns. But I like it because it gives me more opportunity to improvise, and I like to play improv. I don't read music. I read key signatures, but I don't read music.
Were you the type to practice constantly?
When I was young? Yeah. I'd practice all the time. I was in little combos and we'd practice several nights a week, play little sock hops and dances and stuff like that. And it was cool because we were the only kids in my school that were, you know, older than us. But we were in junior high and we had a rock band, so that was nice. [Laughs]
How many bands have you been in over the years?
Six or seven probably. A couple of bands in junior high. Two or three in high school. But once I got to college I just didn't have time. Then I got married, kids came along. Picked it up occasionally. Sold a lot of my stuff for a long time, when my first child came along... Man, I had some great stuff. Could've paid my kids college tuition with that stuff if I'd kept it. A '67 Gretsch Tennessean. And a Fender Jazz bass.
What do you play now?
That's a Tobias. It's made by Gibson. Comes out of their custom shop up in Nashville. Although now the Tobiases are made in Conway, Arkansas. Because the CEO of Gibson, Henry Juszkiewicz... I was up there touring, got the guitar, had a visit with him. I said, "Henry, how come these guitars are being made in Nashville"--'cause they were trying to expand their line--I said, "There's only one governor in America who plays your product. Why don't you bring your factories to Conway?" So they moved the manufacturing to Conway.
Has playing music helped you perform as a politician?
Oh yeah. I was an incredibly shy kid growing up. I couldn't stand to be in front people. Playing meant that I had to get in front of people. And it was part of that process of me learning to get over my shyness and sense of, "I'm not good enough."
How do you think voters see your interest in music? Is there any sort of political appeal?
It's not so much political appeal. There's several things about it for me, personally. For me, playing music has certainly given me a sense of discipline, the value of learning, teamwork. There's a lot of lessons about music that I wish every kid in America had. One of the strong passion I have is that music and art should be a part of every kid's education, K through 12. And we actually did that in Arkansas when I was governor. One the few states where every student K through 12 has to have a music AND art education by a certified teacher every week. And the reason I think that's so important, it's not a fluffy thing. Some people say, "Eh, this is extraneous or extracurricular." I say, "No, it's essential." Because education ought to be left and right brain development. The education system has failed today because we've shifted to a completely left-brain educational environment. And we're cheating kids from the development of the right side of the brain, the creative side.
The future economy is a creative economy. It's not a manufacturing economy. It's not technology. It's what to do with the technology we've discovered. So if you have a whole generation of kids who don't understand their own sense of creativity and being able to expand their horizons from what's right there, we'll not be competitive. Six thousand kids a day drop out in America. I'm convinced it's just because their flat bored. These aren't dumb kids, they're bored kids. And part of it is because a lot of them are right-brained kids that no one's stimulating. No one's touching their talent. They're telling them, "You've got to be a mathematician, you've got to be a scientist." No, what they've got to be is who they are. They may a dancer. Or an actor. They may be a poet. They may be a writer. A musician. Isn't who they are just as important as the mathematician or the scientist? Absolutely.
Will you still keep the band together when you're president?
Absolutely. Why else do you think I'm running. It's the only way we'll ever get a White House gig.
A lot of people I've talked to say that a politician having a passion outside of politics really humanizes them. Is that something you agree with?
You have to be a real person. You have to have a life. Politics is not a life. Sometimes people substitute politics for their lives. I think that's a terrible thing. I need to be a human being. You know, I'm a musician, I'm a runner, I'm a hunter, I'm a fisherman. I love those... those are my four hobbies. I don't get to do them nearly as much as I like. But I do ‘em enough, and I'm going to keep doing them no matter what because I refuse to become subhuman in order to run for office. I refuse to do that. One needs the balance in life. Every person needs to have an equilibrium.
For me, as a spiritual person, I look at it as Christian. I need to have a relationship with God, with the Earth, with myself and with others. It's the whole realm of relationships. There's a vertical, there's a horizontal. The vertical is God and the Earth. That's why I'm a conservationist; this is His creation. Then, there are people on the planet other than me. I need to be right with them. I also need to be right with myself. And I can't be right with me if I'm not right with others, and I can't be right with others if I'm not right with me. If I hate myself, I'm going to hate you. If I hate you, I'm going to end up hating myself. And for me that creates the kind of balance that people need.
What does being a bass player say about what kind of president you'd be?
Understand the foundations. Understand that everything that is visible and seen has to have a solid foundation on which it rides. Whether the train has to have the track. The beautiful architectural facility has to have the foundation. It may not be the most visible. But without it, everything crumbles. So for me, the bass guitar is a wonderful metaphor for even government. While there's a lot of things out there that everybody believes in terms of policy, there's got to be the basic core values and principles that are the track on which you run. If you don't have a track, you're train is going to derail. It might a great locomotive. It may look nice, have great dining cars, wonderful comfort. You gotta have a track.
"October was a good month for Mike Huckabee. He won the Value Voters straw poll; he shot to second in Iowa; he was forced to upgrade his Web site servers three times; and he raise more money than in any previous totals--in the past week alone. But the real news--for your music-obsessed Stumper, at least--was that Huckabee broke out his bass for the first time since August for his Oct. 26 set at the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.
I'm only half-kidding. In my view, Huckabee's music is more than a novelty. It proves that he's a politician with a passion other than politics--a human being, in other words. With that in mind, I sat down with Huckabee before the Surf show to talk about his life in rock 'n' roll, how music informs his policy--and what his bass playing says about how he'd lead as president.
Excerpts:
How'd you get started with music?
I started when I was 11 and I wanted a guitar really badly. I wanted my parents to get me one for Christmas and they really couldn't afford it. I'd kind of given up. Christmas 1966, I was 11 years old. Christmas morning, I open my Christmas present-and there it was! An electric guitar from the J.C. Penney catalog. Included an amp, a strap, everything. It was $99 for the whole thing. Took them a year to pay off. I played 'til my fingers bled.
Why did you want the guitar in the first place?
The Beatles were coming on! The Beatles came out, like, in late '63 and early '64, and from that time on I wanted to play. I guess every kid of my generation did. About age 12, it occurred to me, a lot of people were playing guitar but very few people were playing bass. So it occurred to me: if I took up bass, I'd probably always be able to be in a band. So that's what I did. Switched over to bass and I've been playing ever since.
You never went back?
I still play six string. I've got several guitars. I fool around on them occasionally, but not very often. I'm not great. I can play rhythm, hang in there with somebody.
Is there something specific about bass, other than the practicality of being in band, that really drew you to it?
Well, of course, now I understand musically that it's really a percussion instrument. It's really a foundation instrument. A lot people think of it as one of the guitars. But truthfully, it locks with the drums. I also played drums, later on. I picked up drums and played in some bands as a drummer. Which was a real easy transition. Because you're head is there and you understand the rhythm patterns. But I like it because it gives me more opportunity to improvise, and I like to play improv. I don't read music. I read key signatures, but I don't read music.
Were you the type to practice constantly?
When I was young? Yeah. I'd practice all the time. I was in little combos and we'd practice several nights a week, play little sock hops and dances and stuff like that. And it was cool because we were the only kids in my school that were, you know, older than us. But we were in junior high and we had a rock band, so that was nice. [Laughs]
How many bands have you been in over the years?
Six or seven probably. A couple of bands in junior high. Two or three in high school. But once I got to college I just didn't have time. Then I got married, kids came along. Picked it up occasionally. Sold a lot of my stuff for a long time, when my first child came along... Man, I had some great stuff. Could've paid my kids college tuition with that stuff if I'd kept it. A '67 Gretsch Tennessean. And a Fender Jazz bass.
What do you play now?
That's a Tobias. It's made by Gibson. Comes out of their custom shop up in Nashville. Although now the Tobiases are made in Conway, Arkansas. Because the CEO of Gibson, Henry Juszkiewicz... I was up there touring, got the guitar, had a visit with him. I said, "Henry, how come these guitars are being made in Nashville"--'cause they were trying to expand their line--I said, "There's only one governor in America who plays your product. Why don't you bring your factories to Conway?" So they moved the manufacturing to Conway.
Has playing music helped you perform as a politician?
Oh yeah. I was an incredibly shy kid growing up. I couldn't stand to be in front people. Playing meant that I had to get in front of people. And it was part of that process of me learning to get over my shyness and sense of, "I'm not good enough."
How do you think voters see your interest in music? Is there any sort of political appeal?
It's not so much political appeal. There's several things about it for me, personally. For me, playing music has certainly given me a sense of discipline, the value of learning, teamwork. There's a lot of lessons about music that I wish every kid in America had. One of the strong passion I have is that music and art should be a part of every kid's education, K through 12. And we actually did that in Arkansas when I was governor. One the few states where every student K through 12 has to have a music AND art education by a certified teacher every week. And the reason I think that's so important, it's not a fluffy thing. Some people say, "Eh, this is extraneous or extracurricular." I say, "No, it's essential." Because education ought to be left and right brain development. The education system has failed today because we've shifted to a completely left-brain educational environment. And we're cheating kids from the development of the right side of the brain, the creative side.
The future economy is a creative economy. It's not a manufacturing economy. It's not technology. It's what to do with the technology we've discovered. So if you have a whole generation of kids who don't understand their own sense of creativity and being able to expand their horizons from what's right there, we'll not be competitive. Six thousand kids a day drop out in America. I'm convinced it's just because their flat bored. These aren't dumb kids, they're bored kids. And part of it is because a lot of them are right-brained kids that no one's stimulating. No one's touching their talent. They're telling them, "You've got to be a mathematician, you've got to be a scientist." No, what they've got to be is who they are. They may a dancer. Or an actor. They may be a poet. They may be a writer. A musician. Isn't who they are just as important as the mathematician or the scientist? Absolutely.
Will you still keep the band together when you're president?
Absolutely. Why else do you think I'm running. It's the only way we'll ever get a White House gig.
A lot of people I've talked to say that a politician having a passion outside of politics really humanizes them. Is that something you agree with?
You have to be a real person. You have to have a life. Politics is not a life. Sometimes people substitute politics for their lives. I think that's a terrible thing. I need to be a human being. You know, I'm a musician, I'm a runner, I'm a hunter, I'm a fisherman. I love those... those are my four hobbies. I don't get to do them nearly as much as I like. But I do ‘em enough, and I'm going to keep doing them no matter what because I refuse to become subhuman in order to run for office. I refuse to do that. One needs the balance in life. Every person needs to have an equilibrium.
For me, as a spiritual person, I look at it as Christian. I need to have a relationship with God, with the Earth, with myself and with others. It's the whole realm of relationships. There's a vertical, there's a horizontal. The vertical is God and the Earth. That's why I'm a conservationist; this is His creation. Then, there are people on the planet other than me. I need to be right with them. I also need to be right with myself. And I can't be right with me if I'm not right with others, and I can't be right with others if I'm not right with me. If I hate myself, I'm going to hate you. If I hate you, I'm going to end up hating myself. And for me that creates the kind of balance that people need.
What does being a bass player say about what kind of president you'd be?
Understand the foundations. Understand that everything that is visible and seen has to have a solid foundation on which it rides. Whether the train has to have the track. The beautiful architectural facility has to have the foundation. It may not be the most visible. But without it, everything crumbles. So for me, the bass guitar is a wonderful metaphor for even government. While there's a lot of things out there that everybody believes in terms of policy, there's got to be the basic core values and principles that are the track on which you run. If you don't have a track, you're train is going to derail. It might a great locomotive. It may look nice, have great dining cars, wonderful comfort. You gotta have a track.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Hillary vs. Huckabee
I came across some very interesting information. I'm posting the link so you can see for yourself, but I'll go ahead and summarize the contents of the site.
Opensecrets.org is a website that lists how much each candidate has received in each state. It even goes so far as to list total contributions from metro areas of each state. Keep in mind these numbers are only through the end of the last quarter. Here's what I found:
In the state of Arkansas, Hillary Clinton and Mike Huckabee are the top two candidates in terms of donations. I'll break it down for you.
Hillary Clinton, as of the end of the 3rd quarter, had received $738,657 from Arkansas supporters.
Mike Huckabee received $657,588. The next highest recipient in our state was Bill Richardson who received $52,225.
If you look at the list of donors in each Metro area, it gets quite interesting. Mike Huckabee has actually out-raised Hillary in Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, and Texarkana!!!! Hillary only led Mike in contributions in Little Rock and Fayetteville.
For anyone who has ever questioned Arkansas' support for Mike Huckabee, this information should help. It doesn't suprise me at all to see that Hillary beat Mike in Little Rock and Fayetteville. The Clinton Presidential Library is located in Little Rock, for one. And two, there are a lot of big wig Democratic state leaders in Little Rock. But, for the record, she only raised less than $100,000 more than Huckabee. And if you look even more closely at the zip code breakdown, Mike led her in all Little Rock zip codes but one. Way to go Mike!
See for yourself at http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/presstatetots.asp?State=AR
Could it be that the people of Arkansas have known all along what the rest of the country is just now learning? But things are changing. This quarters number will be vastly different.
I urge you to look at your state on the above website. See what areas need more attention and do something about it!
Opensecrets.org is a website that lists how much each candidate has received in each state. It even goes so far as to list total contributions from metro areas of each state. Keep in mind these numbers are only through the end of the last quarter. Here's what I found:
In the state of Arkansas, Hillary Clinton and Mike Huckabee are the top two candidates in terms of donations. I'll break it down for you.
Hillary Clinton, as of the end of the 3rd quarter, had received $738,657 from Arkansas supporters.
Mike Huckabee received $657,588. The next highest recipient in our state was Bill Richardson who received $52,225.
If you look at the list of donors in each Metro area, it gets quite interesting. Mike Huckabee has actually out-raised Hillary in Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, and Texarkana!!!! Hillary only led Mike in contributions in Little Rock and Fayetteville.
For anyone who has ever questioned Arkansas' support for Mike Huckabee, this information should help. It doesn't suprise me at all to see that Hillary beat Mike in Little Rock and Fayetteville. The Clinton Presidential Library is located in Little Rock, for one. And two, there are a lot of big wig Democratic state leaders in Little Rock. But, for the record, she only raised less than $100,000 more than Huckabee. And if you look even more closely at the zip code breakdown, Mike led her in all Little Rock zip codes but one. Way to go Mike!
See for yourself at http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/presstatetots.asp?State=AR
Could it be that the people of Arkansas have known all along what the rest of the country is just now learning? But things are changing. This quarters number will be vastly different.
I urge you to look at your state on the above website. See what areas need more attention and do something about it!
Grassroots campaign ideas.....
I've been brainstorming the last few days. What's something I can do at the local level to help out? Here are some ideas I came up with:
1. Print "Huckabee for President" stickers/labels to put on your Halloween candy. The kids will get the candy, and the parents will get the message. :)
2. Use the same labels to put on all of your outgoing mail. Not only will the recipient see the ad, but every person that handles that piece of mail on it's way.
3. If you can afford to, purchase a bunch of bumper stickers and signs to give away to people you know who will be voting for Mike. I've found that a lot of people don't know where to get these items but would gladly display them. It's also much cheaper to purchase these items in large quantities.
4. Have some t-shirts made. I recently had 24 "Runners for Huckabee" t-shirts made for about $144. I've been selling them for $6 which covers the cost only. The only thing I'm out is my time but there are now runners all over the country wearing these shirts.
5. Attend a festival, 5k race, or some other event in your area and hand out free bottled water with "Huckabee for President" labels on them. A case of 24 bottles costs approx. $6 (in Arkansas). Labels are extremely cheap. For about $75 you could reach 240 potential voters!
I'd love to hear your ideas. Please write and share!
1. Print "Huckabee for President" stickers/labels to put on your Halloween candy. The kids will get the candy, and the parents will get the message. :)
2. Use the same labels to put on all of your outgoing mail. Not only will the recipient see the ad, but every person that handles that piece of mail on it's way.
3. If you can afford to, purchase a bunch of bumper stickers and signs to give away to people you know who will be voting for Mike. I've found that a lot of people don't know where to get these items but would gladly display them. It's also much cheaper to purchase these items in large quantities.
4. Have some t-shirts made. I recently had 24 "Runners for Huckabee" t-shirts made for about $144. I've been selling them for $6 which covers the cost only. The only thing I'm out is my time but there are now runners all over the country wearing these shirts.
5. Attend a festival, 5k race, or some other event in your area and hand out free bottled water with "Huckabee for President" labels on them. A case of 24 bottles costs approx. $6 (in Arkansas). Labels are extremely cheap. For about $75 you could reach 240 potential voters!
I'd love to hear your ideas. Please write and share!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Doing my part
I believe so passionately that the future of my kids is as stake in this next election. And to be quite honest, I am more concerned about the moral decline of our country than the economic decline. I just don't see how we can possibly expect the Lord to bless our country economically if we continue to let it's family values slip away. It's kind of like buying a new tv when you can't afford your car payment and expecting the Lord to provide more money. How dare me expect the Lord to bless my family when I've been so irresponsible.
The same goes for this presidential race. As a true "conservative" how can I base my decision to support a candidate solely only on economic issues? The economy is the least of our problems. How can we expect our country to prosper without a solid foundation......the family. Our families are being torn apart a little more every day, and yet we continue to be concerned about social security and tax increases. We are so concerned about it that we are willing to allow someone to be our President based on their promises of economic success. The truth is, no matter what man or woman sits as our leader in Washington, D.C. , they are not in control of our success. But, there is One who is. And I believe He has given us an option in Mike Huckabee. Mike Huckabee is a man that would truly be an example to our country. He would fight for families and marriages.
For those whose opposition to the fair tax plan and immigration reform is keeping you from voting for Mike, shame on you. Taxes and immigration reform should not be at the top of our list of priorities when choosing a candidate. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for lower taxes. We pay our share. But, think about what we're paying for! Freedom. Faith. Families. All of which are priceless, yet we complain. Are you willing to sacrifice your stand on abortion and traditional marriage for hopefully lower taxes, birth bonds, empty promises? I'm not. That's why I'm voting for Mike Huckabee. He's unwavering on moral issues and has a record to prove it. That's good enough for me. The Fair Tax and immigration reform will just be icing on the cake. :)
The same goes for this presidential race. As a true "conservative" how can I base my decision to support a candidate solely only on economic issues? The economy is the least of our problems. How can we expect our country to prosper without a solid foundation......the family. Our families are being torn apart a little more every day, and yet we continue to be concerned about social security and tax increases. We are so concerned about it that we are willing to allow someone to be our President based on their promises of economic success. The truth is, no matter what man or woman sits as our leader in Washington, D.C. , they are not in control of our success. But, there is One who is. And I believe He has given us an option in Mike Huckabee. Mike Huckabee is a man that would truly be an example to our country. He would fight for families and marriages.
For those whose opposition to the fair tax plan and immigration reform is keeping you from voting for Mike, shame on you. Taxes and immigration reform should not be at the top of our list of priorities when choosing a candidate. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for lower taxes. We pay our share. But, think about what we're paying for! Freedom. Faith. Families. All of which are priceless, yet we complain. Are you willing to sacrifice your stand on abortion and traditional marriage for hopefully lower taxes, birth bonds, empty promises? I'm not. That's why I'm voting for Mike Huckabee. He's unwavering on moral issues and has a record to prove it. That's good enough for me. The Fair Tax and immigration reform will just be icing on the cake. :)
What can we do?
I have a feeling there are many people in our state that want to know "what can we do to help"? Chances are very slim that Mike Huckabee won't carry his home state, but to take that for granted is dangerous. It's vital that we work just as hard in Arkansas as the team is working in Iowa, New Hampshire, etc.
I personally know many people just in my circle that love Governor Huckabee, but they aren't vocal about it. They'll cast their ballot, but more than likely they'll never put a sign in their yard, a bumper sticker on their car, or donate money. Why is that? Because they are just assuming that Mike doesn't need grassroots efforts here. He's got it in the bag in Arkansas, some might say. The truth is that we simply won't know until election day. I would love to see our state going overboard with grassroots campaigning. The rest of the country will take notice and they will know that we truly do "Like Mike".
If you are willing to help me get something started, let me know. Let's get to work Arkansans!
I personally know many people just in my circle that love Governor Huckabee, but they aren't vocal about it. They'll cast their ballot, but more than likely they'll never put a sign in their yard, a bumper sticker on their car, or donate money. Why is that? Because they are just assuming that Mike doesn't need grassroots efforts here. He's got it in the bag in Arkansas, some might say. The truth is that we simply won't know until election day. I would love to see our state going overboard with grassroots campaigning. The rest of the country will take notice and they will know that we truly do "Like Mike".
If you are willing to help me get something started, let me know. Let's get to work Arkansans!
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