Mike Huckabee Files Exploratory Committee Paperwork
Jan. 29, 2007
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced Monday he has filed the necessary paperwork to form an exploratory committee as part of a 2008 presidential bid.
"This is an opportunity for me to show the American dream is still alive," Huckabee said to a group of state GOP leaders Monday in Little Rock. "By filing papers with the Federal Election Commission, I'm officially taking the next step to become a candidate for President of United States."
The formation of an exploratory committee allows Huckabee to raise money and hire a campaign staff for a presidential run. He said details of the organization will be announced in future weeks.
Huckabee, 51, left office on Jan 9. "People want an authentic conservative who has a proven record of results," he said.
Huckabee announced his plans to form an exploratory committee yesterday on NBC's 'Meet the Press' morning show with host Tim Russert.
"America loves an underdog," Huckabee told Russert. "One of the reasons that I'm running for president is because I think that America needs folks who understand what it is to start at the bottom of the ladder and climb their way to the top."
Huckabee became Arkansas' 44th Governor in 1996 when his predecessor resigned. Huckabee was elected to a full four-year term as governor in 1998, attracting the largest percentage of the vote ever received by a Republican gubernatorial nominee in Arkansas. He was re-elected to another four-year term in November 2002. He was the third longest serving governor in the history of Arkansas, having served ten and a half years.
Huckabee served as chairman of the National Governors Association and chairman of the Education Commission of the States. During his tenure as governor, Huckabee made great strides in improving education, increasing access to health care, updating technology in state government and revamping the state's roadways.
Huckabee, a fiscal conservative, pushed through the Arkansas Legislature the first major, broad-based tax cuts in state history. He led efforts to establish a Property Taxpayers' Bill of Rights and created a welfare reform program that reduced welfare rolls in the state by almost 50 percent.
Last year, Huckabee campaigned in nearly 30 states on behalf of Republican candidates, state parties and conservative groups. He plans to travel to Iowa, his ninth trip to the Hawkeye State, on Tuesday. Huckabee has events scheduled in Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, Grinnell, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Tipton and Bettendorf.
Mike Huckabee's comments regarding his plans for the future...
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Over the past several months, I have received growing encouragement from conservative activists and leaders for me to become a candidate for President. I have sought counsel and advice from my family, close friends, political advisers, and most importantly from above. Our nation only stays strong as we are willing to take a stand, take a risk, and hopefully make this country a safer, more prosperous, and healthier place. Today, I am ready to take that stand.
I ask you to join me in the effort to take a message of hope and optimism to the people of America. This morning on "Meet the Press" with Tim Russert I announced that on Monday, January 29, 2007, I am filing papers creating the Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.
Soon, a new website will be available at http://www.explorehuckabee.com/. I encourage you to visit the website as soon as it is available and register if you haven't already done so. There is also a link for you to "Tell a Friend" and I really need your help in doing just that. Please take the time to click on the "Tell a Friend" link and let others know how they can become involved too. You will find a place to list one or more email addresses and type in your own email message. Please set a goal of letting at least five friends know today how they too can become involved with the Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc...
I learned a lot in training for the 4 marathons I've run. The hardest part is taking the first step and saying "I will do it." I've taken that step. The road ahead is not a sprint, but truly a marathon. The journey begins and I hope you'll be with me for every step of the way!
With gratitude and hope,
Mike Huckabee
FORMER AR GOVERNOR MIKE HUCKABEE TO EXPLORE PRESIDENTIAL BID
Jan. 28, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced Sunday on NBC's 'Meet the Press' morning show with host Tim Russert that he will explore a presidential bid for 2008.
Huckabee, who left office Jan. 9, said,"People want an authentic conservative who has a proven record of results.”
“I’m taking the next step in becoming a candidate for President of United States,“ Huckabee, a Republican, said. “By filing papers with the Federal Election Commission, I will establish my official exploratory committee.”
The formation of an exploratory committee allows Huckabee to raise and spend money for a presidential run.
“I've concluded that I should take this necessary and vital step to bring a new kind of optimistic leadership to the public square,”
Huckabee said, noting that he has received "strong, prayerful support" from his family, close friends and supporters in many states.
Last year, Huckabee campaigned in nearly 30 states on behalf of Republican candidates, state parties and conservative groups.
Huckabee became Arkansas' 44th governor in July 1996 when his predecessor resigned. He was one of the youngest governors in the country at the time. Huckabee first was elected lieutenant governor in a 1993 special election and was elected to a full four-year term in 1994. He was only the fourth Republican to be elected to statewide office since Reconstruction.
Huckabee was elected to a full four-year term as governor in 1998, attracting the largest percentage of the vote ever received by a Republican gubernatorial nominee in Arkansas, and was re-elected to another four-year term in November 2002. He was the third longest serving governor in the history of Arkansas, having served ten and a half years.
Huckabee is nationally recognized for his leadership capabilities and many accomplishments as governor. 'Governing' magazine named him as one of its Public Officials of the Year in 2005, Time magazine honored him as one of the 'Five Best Governors' in America, and he received the distinguished Impact Award from the American Association of Retired Persons.
Huckabee served as chairman of the National Governors Association and chairman of the Education Commission of the States. During his tenure as governor, Huckabee made great strides in improving education, increasing access to health care, updating technology in state government and revamping the state’s roadways.
Huckabee, a fiscal conservative, pushed through the Arkansas Legislature the first major, broad-based tax cuts in state history. He led efforts to establish a Property Taxpayers' Bill of Rights and created a welfare reform program that reduced welfare rolls in the state by almost 50 percent.
The governor is a noted speaker and author. He has given speeches on politics and public policy to groups across the country and around the world.
Born and raised in Hope, AR, Huckabee, 51, and his wife, Janet, live in North Little Rock. They have three grown children, John Mark, David and Sarah.
Official announcement activities are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Jan. 30, with a two-day tour in Iowa. (This will be the Governor's ninth trip to the Hawkeye State.)
Source: Mike Huckabee For President Exploratory Committee
Mike Huckabee 2008 Website
February 16, 2007
Mike Huckabee Opens New Campaign Headquarters In Little Rock
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
For Immediate Release:
Little Rock, AR -- Mike Huckabee announced today the opening of the Mike Huckabee Presidential Exploratory Committee headquarters in the One Union West Capitol Building at 124 W. Capitol St., Suite 1200, in downtown Little Rock. The office will serve as the home base for the logistics, fundraising and communications aspects of the campaign.
“I felt is was very important to locate campaign headquarters in the heart of downtown Little Rock because this is my home,” Huckabee said. “The values I’ve grown up with here in Arkansas have guided my political career. As we move around the country in this campaign, it’s nice to come back to the headquarters in Little Rock, where my heart is.”
Huckabee, who calls himself a "son of the South," served as governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007, and as lieutenant governor from 1993-96.
“It’s no secret the campaign for president can be exhausting and exciting at the same time,” Huckabee said. “This state is where I am invigorated and it's the source of much of my energy.”
Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman, who previously worked as senior political advisor for then-U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist’s volunteer political action committee, will work out of the office in Little Rock.
“One of the first big decisions Gov. Huckabee made after forming an exploratory committee is that he wanted the office to be based in Little Rock --not Washington, D.C.,” Saltsman said. “Right away I knew this was a campaign based on American values, not those of the Washington Beltway.”
Source: Mike Huckabee For President Exploratory Committee
Mike Huckabee 2008 Website
July 10, 2007
Press Release: Mike Huckabee Launches New Updated Campaign Website
July, 10 2007
Little Rock, AR – Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR) announced the launch of his new campaign website: www.mikehuckabee.com . The new site is visually appealing, easy to navigate and will be updated several times a day.
“The internet is a vital tool to get my conservative message to as many people as possible,” Gov. Huckabee said. “Having a website that is easy to find and navigate will ensure that our latest campaign news and information is just a click away.”
The new home page includes the title “Authentic Conservative. Proven Leader” and features current photos of Huckabee on the campaign trail. It also includes updates on the campaign’s strong efforts in Iowa, with a variety of information on ways volunteers can help out in the Hawkeye State.
The website is broken into six sections. The “About Mike” section provides biographical information on Huckabee and his wife, Janet. There is also a photo gallery, including various photos of the governor meeting with people across the country. The “Newsroom” section contains press releases, published articles, and archived information – as well as video and audio clips from various news stories and conference calls. The “Issues” section outlines the former governor’s position on a range of issues, including national security, education, health care, and immigration. The “Blog” section is constantly updated with blog reports and contains an impressive blog-roll of “Bloggers for Huckabee.”
“Bloggers are a key component in distributing valuable political news of the day,” Gov. Huckabee said. “Voters are looking for unfiltered information about the issues and candidates, and bloggers provide that.”
One popular aspect is the “Why I Like Mike” video clips, featuring Huckabee connecting with supporters from across the country, with people of all ages.
The last two sections, “Get Involved” and “Contribution” sections provide information for people to join the Huckabee campaign by volunteering, contributing, and spreading the Huckabee message. There is also a Huckabee Newsletter sign-up feature and listing of upcoming events.
Source: Mike Huckabee For President Exploratory Committee
Mike Huckabee 2008 Website
July 10, 2007
Press Release: Mike Huckabee Launches New Updated Campaign Website
July, 10 2007
Little Rock, AR – Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR) announced the launch of his new campaign website: www.mikehuckabee.com . The new site is visually appealing, easy to navigate and will be updated several times a day.
“The internet is a vital tool to get my conservative message to as many people as possible,” Gov. Huckabee said. “Having a website that is easy to find and navigate will ensure that our latest campaign news and information is just a click away.”
The new home page includes the title “Authentic Conservative. Proven Leader” and features current photos of Huckabee on the campaign trail. It also includes updates on the campaign’s strong efforts in Iowa, with a variety of information on ways volunteers can help out in the Hawkeye State.
The website is broken into six sections. The “About Mike” section provides biographical information on Huckabee and his wife, Janet. There is also a photo gallery, including various photos of the governor meeting with people across the country. The “Newsroom” section contains press releases, published articles, and archived information – as well as video and audio clips from various news stories and conference calls. The “Issues” section outlines the former governor’s position on a range of issues, including national security, education, health care, and immigration. The “Blog” section is constantly updated with blog reports and contains an impressive blog-roll of “Bloggers for Huckabee.”
“Bloggers are a key component in distributing valuable political news of the day,” Gov. Huckabee said. “Voters are looking for unfiltered information about the issues and candidates, and bloggers provide that.”
One popular aspect is the “Why I Like Mike” video clips, featuring Huckabee connecting with supporters from across the country, with people of all ages.
The last two sections, “Get Involved” and “Contribution” sections provide information for people to join the Huckabee campaign by volunteering, contributing, and spreading the Huckabee message. There is also a Huckabee Newsletter sign-up feature and listing of upcoming events.
Source: Mike Huckabee For President Exploratory Committee
Mike Huckabee 2008 Website
January 4, 2008
Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee to Address Supporters, Media following GOP Iowa Caucus Victory
Huckabee Campaign to Hold Media Availability at 10:15 p.m.CT Tonight
Des Moines, IA - Presidential Candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will address his supporters and host a campaign media availability following his come-from-behind victory in the Republican Iowa Caucuses tonight.
Victory Speech - 9:30 p.m. CT
Gov. Mike Huckabee, the No. 1 winner of the Republican Iowa Caucus, will address his supporters at approximately 9:30 p.m. CT in the Grand Ballroom A & B, Embassy Suites Des Moines, 101 East Locust Street, Des Moines.
Media Availability - 10:15 p.m. CT
The Huckabee campaign will host a media availability for credentialed reporters at approx. 10:15 p.m. in Salon, Embassy Suites, prior to Gov. Huckabee's departure for New Hampshire for more campaigning in the Granite State.
Source: Mike Huckabee For President Committee
Mike Huckabee 2008 Website
March 5, 2008
Thank You Note To Supporters
Dear Faithful Friends,
Last night was a tough one for all of us. While Janet and I stood on the stage, we felt as if we were surrounded by a much larger family than our immediate family. We have been surrounded throughout the process by a large and growing family of faithful friends whose efforts in the campaign have humbled and amazed us day after day. I regularly wept or choked back tears just reading comments on the blog when I realized the sacrifices that so many have made for the campaign.
We had held out hope that we would win enough delegates to keep the contest going, but had vowed that if Senator McCain actually got the 1191 delegates, we would accept the will of the voters. In the end, the relentless hammering of the media that we "couldn't win" influenced enough voters and while we campaigned long and hard in the final states, it simply wasn't enough. I congratulate Senator McCain and will do what I can to assist him and influence him to take strong stands for issues that we conservatives cherish.
I don't see the long journey having reached its destination, but merely taking a detour. As my Marine friend Clebe McLary says, "I didn't lose--it's just that the game ended before I got finished playing."
In the immediate days ahead, we will be transitioning from campaign mode. For 14 months, there have been a lot of things put on hold in our lives. We have to join the many incredible people on our staff to figure out "what's next?" But this much I can tell you---we want to stay in touch and start now building a platform to continue addressing issues that brought us together in the first place.
Throughout my life, I've found that there are sometimes three possible answers to our prayers--"Yes," "No," or "Not Now." I would like to think our prayers were answered with a "Not Now."
We will keep our website up and as we transition, will want to create a way to keep in touch and continue the battle for our families, our freedom, and our future. In the immediate time, we have to make sure that we pay all the bills of the campaign and end in the black, help our staff find ways to earn a living, and make sure that we don't lose the momentum of the past 14 months, but instead follow the plan:
REFLECT, REST, RENEW, and RE-BOOT!
I really welcome your input and thoughts during these coming days. Pray for us as we seek wisdom as to what steps we take now. Despite what some have thought, we really didn't have a "Plan B' in the wings--we always thought we'd be in this until the inauguration in January of 2009!
God has been so good to us! We can never fully express our gratitude for all you have done and how you have touched and blessed our lives. I truly hope I didn't let you down. I promise to you that I gave it all I had to the last minute and left it "all on the field." What is more amazing is how you were willing to be "poured out" to the point of empty in order to be with us all the way. I stand amazed by it all and overwhelmed with gratitude.
We will dust off, pick ourselves up off the canvas, and answer the bell for the next round, whatever that may be. We love you all, and trust that the journey has just begun!
With tired bodies and grateful hearts,
Mike and Janet Huckabee
Mike Huckabee Crosses Finish Line in Presidential Run
Former Arkansas Governor Call for United Party
Little Rock, AR - Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee concluded his 2008 bid for the Republican nomination for President tonight, calling upon his supporters to embrace the candidacy of U.S. Senator John McCain (AZ).
Huckabee, a champion of conservative values, said: "I extend my congratulations - and my commitment to John McCain - to do everything possible to unite our Party and our nation, to be the best country we can be, not for ourselves, but for future generations. I am grateful that Senator McCain has led an honorable campaign because he is an honorable man."
"It's now important that we turn our attention, not to what could have been or what we wanted to have been, but what to now must be, and that is a united party," Huckabee stated in his speech to supporters gathered in Texas tonight.
Huckabee said, "Not only have we fought the good fight and finished the race but more importantly, we have kept the faith. I would rather lose an election than lose the principles that got me into politics in the first place."
"While many in the establishment never really believed I belonged, there were many in the country that did," he said. "Thanks to their sacrifices, I had a voice - and I only pray that I have been able to give them a voice."
Huckabee said he represented average Americans who work two jobs to meet ends meet; conservatives who want less - but more efficient - government with less corruption; people who believe we should overhaul our tax system, implement the Fair Tax ad and get rid of the IRS; the Solders, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, who keep us free; those who cherish life and those who have yet to be born.
Huckabee, who ran a small but cost-effective campaign, concluded his remarks by stating, "Our battle was never about us. It was about our country and its liberty. Now, we join with Senator McCain in the rest of that battle, not for who gets elected, but for what we can do when we get elected."
Huckabee finished the GOP primary race behind McCain with delegates from his victory in eight primaries and caucuses. Huckabee won caucuses in Iowa , West Virginia , and Kansas . He also won primaries in Alabama , Georgia , Tennessee , Louisiana , and his home state of Arkansas .
# # # #
Source: Mike Huckabee For President Campaign Committee
COPYRIGHT 2000-2024 - 4PRESIDENT CORPORATION/MIKE DEC PHOTOGRAPHY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
COPYRIGHT 2000-2024 - 4PRESIDENT CORPORATION/MIKE DEC PHOTOGRAPHY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
COPYRIGHT 2000-2024 - 4PRESIDENT CORPORATION/MIKE DEC PHOTOGRAPHY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
COPYRIGHT 2000-2024 - 4PRESIDENT CORPORATION/MIKE DEC PHOTOGRAPHY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED