Candidate Profile: Mike Huckabee
November 9, 2007
Mike Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, was not expected to make much of a showing in the ‘08 election. That prediction is being called into question, however, as the former Arkansas governor continues to gain in the polls. Huckabee’s supporters cite him as the most consistent conservative in the race, though opponents say he is not a true fiscal conservative, citing deals he struck with Democrats in Arkansas’ legislature to raise taxes to fund road- and school-building projects. Though he seems to be generally well-liked, there is question as to whether he can turn “likability” into “electability.” Here are the facts:
Born: Arkansas, 1955
Party: Republican
Pre-politics Career: Ordained minister
Political Experience: Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, 1993-1996; Governor of Arkansas, 1996-2007
The Issues:
Iraq
“It may well be that the intelligence on which the decision was made (to go into Iraq) was incomplete or flawed, but had we failed to topple Saddam’s empire and had he utilized WMDs against us, there would have been an even greater anger that we had failed to act. Now that we have gone to Iraq, one thing is certain – we need to make sure that we finish the job and finish it right” (From Hope to Higher Ground, by Huckabee, pp. 134-136, January 2007).
“Setting a timetable for withdrawal is a mistake. This country has never declared war until ‘a week from Wednesday,’ we have always declared war until victory” (Official campaign website).
Illegal Immigration
“Securing our borders must be our top priority and has reached the level of a national emergency… The Governor supports the $3 billion the Senate has voted for border security. This money will train and deploy 23,000 more agents, add four drone planes, build 700 miles of fence and 300 miles of vehicle barriers, and put up 105 radar and camera towers. This money will turn ‘catch and release’ into ‘catch and detain’ of those entering illegally, and crack down on those who overstay their visas… The Governor opposes and will not tolerate employers who hire illegals. They must be punished with fines and penalties so large that they will see it is not worth the risk” (Official campaign website).
Health Care
“The health care system in this country is irrevocably broken, in part because it is only a ‘health care’ system, not a ‘health’ system. We don’t need universal health care mandated by federal edict or funded through ever-higher taxes. We do need to get serious about preventive health care instead of chasing more and more dollars to treat chronic disease, which currently gobbles up 80% of our health care costs, and yet is often avoidable. The result is that we’ll be able to deliver better care where and when it’s needed” (Official campaign website).
“We need to expand health savings accounts so Americans can purchase health care with tax-free dollars” (Official campaign website).
Tax Reform
“I would work for the Fair Tax, which meets the four criteria: flatter, fairer, finite, family-friendly. We’d get rid of the IRS. We’d get rid of all capital gains – income, corporate – and we’d have a consumption tax. The Fair Tax, I believe, offers the best opportunity for all levels of America” (Republican debate in New Hampshire, June 2007).
Energy/The Environment
“Achieving energy independence is vital to achieving success both in the war on terror and in globalization. Energy independence will help guarantee both our safety and our prosperity… We have to explore, we have to conserve, and we have to pursue all avenues of alternative energy: nuclear, wind, solar, hydrogen, clean coal, biodiesel, and biomass” (Official campaign website).
Abortion
“I support and have always supported passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the right to life. My convictions regarding the sanctity of life have always been clear and consistent, without equivocation or wavering. I believe that Roe v. Wade should be over-turned” (Official campaign website).
Same-sex Marriage
“I support and have always supported passage of a federal constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman” (Official campaign website).
