Huckabee in GOP top tier

[Soldier4Christ]

Huckabee drops out of presidential race

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is calling it a day -- he's dropping out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Huckabee made the announcement to his supporters in Texas after John McCain clinched the needed number of delegates.

Huckabee says he telephoned McCain and offered not only his congratulations, but his commitment to both him and the Republican Party. The former Arkansas governor praised McCain, saying he has run "an honorable campaign because he is an honorable man."

[nChrist]

Brother, I got to hear the closing speech from Mike Huckabee. All I can say is "WOW! - what a speech!" It wasn't politics as usual, rather it was REAL! Mike Huckabee didn't win, but he did make a tremendously positive impact on one of the most bizarre elections in history. He was heard, and the people needed to hear him.

[Soldier4Christ]

I wanted to hear that speech but missed out on it. I'll have to see if I can find it online somewhere.

[Brother Jerry]

MIKE HUCKABEE: Thank you very much. Well, George Brett was one of the greatest baseball players of all time. And in his career for the Kansas City Royals, he was asked, when he was nearing the end of his career, how he wanted his last play in the major leagues to go.

Well, everyone assumed that he would say that he wanted to hit a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth to win a game, perhaps even a World Series. He surprised all of the sportswriters, because what he said was, “I want my last play at bat to be that I hit an easy, just one bounce to the second baseman, and they throw me out at first. But I was running as hard as I could toward the bag when they got me.”

And he said, “Because I want it to be said of George Brett that, no matter what, he played his best game, he gave it his best, all the way to the very end.” And he certainly did just that.

Ladies and gentlemen, I called Senator McCain a few moments ago. It looks pretty apparent tonight that he will, in fact, achieve 1,191 delegates to become the Republican nominee for our party.

I extended to him not only my congratulations, but my commitment to him and to the party to do everything possible to unite our party, but more importantly to unite our country, so that we can be the best nation we can be, not for ourselves, but for the future generations to whom we owe everything, just as we owe previous generations all that they have done for us.

Senator McCain has run an honorable campaign because he’s an honorable man. One of the things I’m proudest of is that the two campaigns that I believe have been run in the most civil manner are the two in the Republican Party that have lasted on their feet to the final. And I’m grateful for the manner in which he has conducted his campaign.

And, quite frankly, with your great help, I’m very proud of the way that you have insisted that we conduct our campaign. And it’s been one that we will always be able to say was done with honor.

It’s now important that we turn our attention not to what could have been or what we wanted to have been, but what now must be, and that is a united party, but a party that, indeed, comes together on those principles that have brought many of us not just to this race, but to politics in general.

I have so many people to thank, starting with this lady here to my right, who I still believe…

(APPLAUSE)

And, by the way, I think it’s fitting that she got better applause than me, because she deserves it. She truly does.

(LAUGHTER)

She’s been through so much. She is a magnificent first lady of Arkansas for 10 1/2 years, and I always believed she would be a wonderful first lady for the United States, as well. And I’m grateful for her patience and perseverance through every step of this wonderful journey we’ve had.

I’m grateful for my family. Some of you may have heard me say this, and it’s true: My family didn’t have to be persuaded or begged to give their permission and blessing for me to get involved in this campaign. In fact, they were ready for me to do it before I was. Truth is, I was the holdout; they weren’t.

And what a wonderful, magnificent gift they’ve given me with their loyalty and their dedication, involving themselves with their sleeves rolled up every single day of this effort, giving 110 percent of themselves. And for that, I will always be grateful.

I also want to say I’ve had the best staff that anybody has ever had running for president. And, by the way, I’m pretty sure it’s probably the smallest staff that anybody’s ever had running for president.

Imagine trying to do this with about 30 people. I don’t think it’s ever been attempted. No one has ever gotten this far with such limited resources.

But the fact is what we’ve been able to do was to ask of every one of our staff that they work as if they were two or three people, and they worked as if they were four. And I want to say thanks to them, every last one of them.

(APPLAUSE)

I’m also mindful that the real story of this campaign is going to be in the faces of those of you who are here and the literally millions of faces across this country of people who never made the headlines, never led the 6 o’clock news, but who have been the backbone, the heart and the soul of our campaign.

The apostle Paul wrote that, “I fought the good fight; I’ve finished the race; and I’ve kept the faith.” And I believe tonight that one of the things that we will be able to say is not only that we fought the good fight and finished the race; we’d like to have finished it first, but we stayed in until the race was over.

But I think, more importantly, we’ve kept the faith. And that for me has been the most important goal of all. I’d rather lose an election than lose the principles that got me into politics in the first place.

(APPLAUSE)

We started this effort with very little recognition and virtually no resources. We ended with slightly more recognition and very few resources.

(LAUGHTER)

[Brother Jerry]

But what a journey. What a journey, a journey of a lifetime. It is not lost on me where I started. The prophet Isaiah said, and I’ve quoted it often, “Look to the rock from which you were hewn, the quarry from which you were dug.”

I know of the earth from which I have come, the humble circumstances of the son of a firefighter and who worked a second job, barely paying their rent on the rent house in Hope, Arkansas, where we lived, a mother who was oldest of seven kids and grew up in a house, dirt floor, outdoor toilets, no electricity when she was little, parents who, like so many across this country, wanted for their kids to have a better life.

I don’t think they could’ve ever imagined that that better life would have included running for president and getting this close to getting there.

(APPLAUSE)

Let me say, while many among the establishment never really believed I belonged, there were a lot of people in this country who did. And most importantly…

(APPLAUSE)

… these are the people across this nation who gave me a voice over these past 14 months. It was their sacrifices, the sacrifices of a truck driver in Michigan, of a housewife who sold her wedding ring on eBay and gave the contribution to the campaign, a janitor in Alabama who has a wife in a wheelchair who gave $20, not out of his abundance, but out of his poverty, so that our campaign could stay on the track.

Those are the folks who have given me a voice, and I only pray to God that I’ve been able to give them a voice, a voice for the unborn children of this country, a voice for life…

(APPLAUSE)

… a voice for the hard-working people who lift everything every day for the rest of us and who carry food to our tables, who pick up the bags, who make great sacrifices and often work two jobs, for every soldier and sailor and airman who puts on a uniform and keeps us free, for every small business owner who hopes that one day he’ll be able to succeed not having to overcome his toughest competition, his own government, and that maybe one day his government would facilitate his business, not complicate it.

For all of the conservatives of this country and party who want less government and who want what government they have to be a little more efficient, a little more effective, a little less filled with corruption, and a whole lot filled with the kind of competence that we pay for, I also believe that there are people out there for whom I hope I’ve given a voice, and that’s the people who believe that we need to really overhaul our tax system and implement the Fair Tax and get rid of the IRS.

(APPLAUSE)

And I believe that we’ve given voice to folks who are single moms and those guys who are out there working two shifts trying to make sure they can just keep the rent paid and put food on the table for their families.

All across this country, we’ve stood at rallies and I have looked into the faces of amazing people who love their country, who cherish their families, who work very hard at their jobs, who worship God, and who give very sacrificially to others, even when it would be very easy for them to keep their time and their money totally to themselves.

But they know that’s not what made America a great country. It’s giving that did.

Well, we’ll go home tonight and hopefully bring our team together for the transition. We’ll be working on doing everything we can to help Senator McCain and to help our party, to help those who run for the Senate and the Congress, because there are many battles this year that we need not just to fight; we need to win them, for our country’s sake and our future’s sake.

(APPLAUSE)

It’s time for us to hit the reset button. Sometimes when the computer stalls, that’s what you do: You hit the reset button.

But in doing so, we also recognize the extraordinary privilege that we’ve had and the amazing people who have been there for the journey.

We aren’t going away completely. We want to be a part of helping to keep the issues alive that have kept us in this race.

And, by the way, I know there were many who thought we wouldn’t make it to March ‘07, much less March ‘08. And we’ve done so because so many of you worked beyond your capacity and gave in ways I can’t even begin to imagine.

Neither Janet nor I have the words to say, “Thanks.” We can only thank you with hopefully our future actions, that we will work hard for our country, we will work hard for our party and the nominee, because we love this country and that’s why we got in.

And until our country is all that we hope and pray it to be, we won’t be able to walk away completely.

I’ve said many times here in Texas that I was inspired by the incredible story of that small group of less than 200 volunteers at the Alamo in San Antonio who took refuge in that church mission. And they saw the incredible armies of Santa Ana start massing against them.

On February the 23rd of 1836, 172 years ago this past week, those armies began a 24-hour onslaught and bombardment. On the 24th day of February, Colonel William Barret Travis wrote the letter from the Alamo that should reign and live in all of our hearts and memories, not just for Texas, but for all the world, all who love liberty.

As he said on the incredible occasion, he said, “The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion. Otherwise the garrison are to be put to the sword if the fort is taken.” He said, “I’ve answered the demand with a cannon shot and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat.”

“I call upon you in the name of liberty, of patriotism, and everything dear to the American character to come to our aid with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving enforcements daily and will no doubt increase to 3,000 or 4,000 in four or five days.”

“If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country: victory or death.”

These were people who understood that their battle was not about them. It was about the principles of liberty that they deemed even more important than their own lives.

Tonight, I hope that our battle was never about us. It was about our country and its liberty. And now we join with Senator McCain and the rest in our party to continue that battle, to continue that fight, not for who gets elected, but for what we do in maintaining liberty and freedom when we get elected and when our country’s flag still waves proudly on the wall.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: You’re a great American, Mike.

HUCKABEE: And you’re a great American, as well.

Thank you, folks. God bless you. We love you. And thank you very, very much for going the journey with us. Thank you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Huckabee website countdown under way
Will he announce website? Or a new career?

Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has an announcement coming – very soon.

You can find out exactly when that announcement will be made by going to his new website – MikeHuckabee.com. And that's all you will find out.

Even those close to the former Arkansas governor swear they know nothing of the details.

Will it just be a website where Huckabee blogs?

Will it be a joke site?

Will he be announcing a new career as a talk-show host or pundit?

Or will be tell the world he is going to be John McCain's running mate?

Huckabee has kept a low profile since conceding defeat to Sen. McCain last month.

The countdown ends on April 15, the deadline to file U.S. income tax returns. Huckabee is known for his support of the FairTax, and has said he wants to do away with the income tax as well as the Internal Revenue Service.

[Brother Jerry]

I think he is going to announce that he has filed his taxes

[nChrist]

UM? I wonder what would happen if he announced running as an Independent? I have wondered about this before, but he really doesn't have the money to play the political game. It's very sad that it takes obscene amounts of money to run for President.

[Brother Jerry]

But then you never know.  Maybe he could get Perot to back him

But then with all the people who are starting to get disgruntled with their current party selected candidates.....you just never know...I know I would put my vote down for him.

[HisDaughter]

UM? I wonder what would happen if he announced running as an Independent? I have wondered about this before, but he really doesn't have the money to play the political game. It's very sad that it takes obscene amounts of money to run for President.

I agree with that.  It's a crying shame.  I say run without using a dime and THEN: Let the BEST man win!

[Brother Jerry]

Yeah is why I have always been for real campaign reform.  Once you reach a certain level you may participate equally with all the others.  All fund raising money goes into a pot and is divided amongst those that are in the competition.  They each get equal amounts of air time given to them.  They each can raise up to X amount in their own private campaign funds to purchase additional air time or anything like that.  But that amount would be limited to keep things fair.  I would push things back onto the people to get otu and vote....Don't just vote for the person you see more often than the others....but get down and choose one that works best for you. 

[Brother Jerry]

So is anyone waiting to see what the news is ?

[Brother Jerry]

1 Minute

[Brother Jerry]

It is good to be able to get back to work again. I have been eagerly awaiting the launch of Huck PAC if only to end the media speculation about the “Doomsday clock” that has been running on MikeHuckabee.com for the last week.

Seriously though, Huck PAC is something I am very excited about. As I campaigned across this country over the last fourteen months I met families and individuals eager for change in Washington and the Republican Party.

Many felt that their Party needed to get back to its core principles: less government, a strong national defense and unwavering support for the family and the sanctity of life.

I campaigned to be the agent of that change and while we may have come up short, I remain and I hope you do as well, undeterred, because the campaign was never about me.

If it had been, I can assure you I would have gotten out of the race long before the Ames Straw Poll when generous pollsters had us trolling at 2-3% in national polls. I stayed in the race then because my campaign was always about the issues and the voters. The folks that felt invisible and overlooked and who believed that Washington wasn’t fighting for the same principles they believed in.

Enter Huck PAC.

Huck PAC is founded on the principles that make America great: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. And because we believe our Republican Party embodies these ideas and is best suited to lead America forward, we are committed to supporting Republican candidates who are passionate advocates for tax reform, a strong national defense, real border security, life, the family, less government and individual liberty.

We will identify candidates who hold firm to these principles, promote their campaigns and financially support their efforts.

Today I am blogging to welcome you to our website and to ask for your support. If you are eager to help, here are five ways to get involved:

1) Sign up for our email updates.
2) Make a contribution of $25 or more in support of Huck PAC. Identify and encourage 2-3 people to match your contribution.
3) Join the discussion on our campaign blog.
4) Join our Facebook and MySpace team.
5) Add your blog to our blogroll.

Thank you again for your interest. I encourage you to leave a comment and stay involved.

[Soldier4Christ]

Huckabee set to raise money for other candidates

Mike Huckabee on Tuesday announced he is establishing a political action committee to back Republicans who share his ideology.

The former GOP presidential candidate launched a fundraising organization called "Huck PAC."

The first beneficiaries will be three key supporters of Huckabee's White House bid. Presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain will also benefit from Huck PAC, the former Arkansas governor said.

The biggest beneficiary of Huck PAC may be Huckabee himself. Analysts compared his start-up to a PAC that Ronald Reagan launched following his failed 1976 presidential campaign.

Craig Shirley, a GOP strategist who has written about the former president, said Reagan's PAC was adept at supporting conservative candidates while at the same time defining the future president's credentials ahead of his 1980 run.

"That's the best model, and I think if he was wise, he would use it," Shirley said of Huckabee.

Huckabee launched the PAC on Tuesday, following a week-long "countdown" that displayed only a clock on his Web site. Shortly after the clock reached zero, visitors to www.mikehuckabee.com were automatically redirected to www.huckpac.com.

In a post there, Huckabee said he would support congressional campaigns of Rep. John Linder, R-Ga., state Sen. Robert Clegg of New Hampshire and the re-election bid of state Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway.

All three were vocal Huckabee supporters this year.

"They did a lot for my dad's campaign when he was running and he wants to try and help them as best he can in return," said Sarah Huckabee, an advisor to her father.

"They are all three strong Republican candidates that have the same principles and values as my dad and it's important for him to see people like this in office," she said.

Some Republicans were skeptical about whether Huckabee could sustain a PAC, given the fundraising struggles of his presidential campaign.

His $15.9 million at the end of February ranked 11th among the slew of presidential candidates. The top money-raiser, Democrat Barack Obama, was approaching $200 million.

Higher contribution limits may help Huckabee's organization. Individual limits for federal PACs are $5,000 annually, compared to $2,300 per election for donors to individual campaigns.

And Huckabee may be better off raising dollars for a cause than for himself, said Ted Welch, a powerful Republican fundraiser from Nashville.

"It depends on, to some measure if I were the contributor, I would want to know what percentage of that money is going to support candidates rather than to cover overhead for Huckabee," Welch said.

Huckabee can pay himself a salary and can take money for operational expenses from the PAC.

He would do better to streamline his financial operation as well, said Welch, who said Huckabee's presidential campaign "didn't have anybody that knew what they were doing about raising money that I know of."

A GOP strategist from Arkansas said Huckabee may be better at building a movement than he is building up himself.

"In essence, you're fronting a cause," said Bill Vickery, of Little Rock. "I would think that we have seen the beginning of Mike Huckabee's national political career and this is just another step in that beginning."

Huckabee hasn't denied he has future political aspirations.

Shirley said the decision to name the PAC after himself may signal a Huckabee-centered focus that could turn off conservative givers. Reagan's PAC was named Citizens for the Republic.

"Even Reagan said it was always about his ideas, not himself," Shirley said. "Without his ideas, he would have been another out-of-work, aging actor."

A key supporter disagrees that Huckabee's name is a negative.

Just this week, at least 3 million people opened a e-mail sent by Huckabee endorsing the upcoming movie called "Expelled," said Dr. Randy Brinson of Montgomery, Ala.,

The movie is a documentary about academics who have been forced out of jobs after proposing to teach "intelligent design" in schools.

Brinson maintains a list of e-mail addresses of tens of millions of Christian conservatives.

"Just on him being the sender, we were shocked that 3 million people would open the e-mail, basically with a message from him," Brinson said.

Huckabee tapped into Brinson's massive e-mail list during his campaign and the PAC will also have access to it, Brinson said Tuesday.

Brinson is chairman of Redeem the Vote, a nonprofit get-out-the-vote organization that targets young Christians.

Huckabee connects with middle-class values voters who are disenfranchised with the state of the economy and the shape of the GOP currently, Brinson said.

In his campaign, Huckabee broke away from his Republican counterparts on economic issues with advocacy of a national sales tax and elimination of the Internal Revenue Service.

The former Arkansas governor said he would support candidates who mirror his economic message as well as his anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage platform.

"I think Gov. Huckabee is going to be the face to really articulate this message and be the spokesperson for this issue," Brinson said. "He's going to be the lead horse, obviously."