December 3, 2007
Posted: December 3rd, 2007 10:00 AM ET

CNN's Dana Bash reports Huckabee's record is coming under scrutiny.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Surging in the crucial state of Iowa, CNN's Dana Bash reports Republican Mike Huckabee's record as Arkansas governor is coming under fire from some of his Republican presidential rivals.

Filed under: Iowa • Mike Huckabee • South Carolina


barbara mason gulfport,ms.   December 6th, 2007 7:21 pm ET

I know this is not a hot topic to most but I am so sick of men like Mike Huckabee,and other political figures, allowing crimes against women to be treated so non-chalantly. Until theserapists and stalkers of your fellow mother and sisters are dealt with swift and serios sentances that hold firm, these crimes will never stop. I do not see such a religous man.

EUNICE, MARYLAND, U.S.A.   December 4th, 2007 1:30 pm ET

This is expecting especially now that he is winning. This is not going to stop the lead. He is focused. He has no interest in dirty politics.

Dale Davis, Glendora, California   December 3rd, 2007 11:32 pm ET

To all Evangelical voters out there. QUIT LOOKING FOR YOUR COUNTRY BUMPKIN CANDIDATE!!! Ya'll might think you have the big voting block power, but the rest of the nation will not vote for another Southern Disappointment this time around. So, get over it!!! For ya'll out there in Iowa, FYI, Hillary feels MOST threatened by Romney. (Many Washington insiders know this too.) The Clinton Sleaze Machine is laughing at you behind closed doors. I thought Iowans were more intelligent than that. Obviously not. You guys are falling for the bait. If you don't want to split the vote, LIKE ROSS PEROT once did, you can prevent another Clinton from getting in. GOT IT?

AJ, IC, IA   December 3rd, 2007 9:20 pm ET

The future: By Jan 3. my fellow Iowans will see the pansy who is not tuff on immigration, has no military experience, wants to not only confuse the tax system but figure out ways to increase taxes without us knowing (yeah right) for his liberal feel good spending. But he can sure tell a good joke... Yeah like the ones my grandfather tells, over and over. Real funny Hickl-libby [sic]! Maybe you can woo Ahmadinejad with one of your quick oneliners about Jesus.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   December 3rd, 2007 8:36 pm ET

"The Republicans have a political agenda laid out and I feel it's the best course for America…"

... ha ha ha The GOP has 6 years of unbridled power to run of the country and have done nothing, nothing that didn't have to do with getting re-elected. They average at least one scandal a week .. either ethics or sexual ... all the top GOP senators/representatives are jumping ship to join the lobbyists so they can play robber barons for another couple of years.

It's always interesting to hear from the 25%er who will follow Bush to the ends of their flat earth. Blind faith and talking points replace facts and rational thinking.

Dave   December 3rd, 2007 7:27 pm ET

Nominate Ron Paul. His 10% crazy gives him NO chance of EVER winning a general election.

It's funny that people have to resort to ad hominem attacks against Ron Paul. The only thing you ever hear is that he's crazy, but nobody ever stands up and argues point for point exactly what their problem is with his platform. The truth is, he's the only candidate with a consistent, logical philosophy from which he draws his conclusions about ANY given issue on the table.

Michael S., Alexandria, VA   December 3rd, 2007 6:29 pm ET

Karen:

Mitt Fraudney SUPPORTED amnesty for illegal immigrants, and only changed his position in 2006 when he decided he had presidential ambitions. He also employed illegal immigrants in his mansion. Flip-Flop Romney is one of the most dishonest, deceitful politicans at least in my lifetime. GO HUCK!

karen nj   December 3rd, 2007 5:29 pm ET

I liked it better when he was the underdog

Independent in NY   December 3rd, 2007 4:43 pm ET

I believe he can take the heat and come forth "shining as gold".

HUCKABEE 2008!

Soldier, Ft Benning GA   December 3rd, 2007 4:31 pm ET

Instead of voting for Tax-Hike Mike, why don't we vote for a man who has NEVER voted to raise taxes: Ron Paul. Additionally, he is the only Republican who adheres to the principles of the founding fathers. Just to name a couple:

"Commerce with all nations; alliance with none, should be our motto" – Thomas Jefferson

"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." – Ben Franklin [note that this is exactly what all the other Republicans, save Ron Paul, ask us to do]

Karen Houston TX   December 3rd, 2007 3:41 pm ET

It is understandable that enthusiasm is running high in those individuals who are supporting a particular political candidate or political party. Many supporters of a candidate or political party are very serious about who they give their loyalty to just as serious as those who support their favorite sports team or religion. Influencing them to switch or change their loyal or religion is very hard, if not imposable.

We all need to be objective in deciding who will be our next President and lay our preconceived objections to the side and ask the questions “what candidate wishes to serve all the people and is not obligated to anyone or the special interests”.

The voice of America is saying “Washington is not for sale anymore!”

Posted By David – Portland, Oregon : December 3, 2007 1:13 pm
_______________________________________
David you hit the nail on the head! Good job and very well spoken. I applaud you.

It's time that "real Americans" take a hard educated look at all of the candidates irregardless of the candidates relegion and choose the best man for the job.
For me that is so obviously Romney. I like his business sense and his Pro-American stand on the illegal immigration problem. He has also shown himself to be socially conservative which is important to me.

I don't care that Huckabee is Baptist, that Romney is Mormon, that Kennedy was Catholic, or that Bush is Methodist. What I care about is what kind of President will they make.

I fear that too many people are still busy rooting for their favoritte relegion though. So much for the first ammendment. Thomas Jefferson would be "flip-flopping" in his grave!

Cable King Pittsburgh PA   December 3rd, 2007 3:30 pm ET

Many "men of the cloth" can not be trusted as they use the cloth as something to hide behind.

Let the games begin!

Karen Houston,TX   December 3rd, 2007 3:29 pm ET

Huckabee is the only real Republican candidate!!!

Posted By JasonV, Oklahoma City, OK : December 3, 2007 1:18 pm
_______________________________________
Are you kidding me? Jason doesn't it matter to you at all that Mike Huckabee will assist you in becoming bankrupt and without a country before his first term in office is up? He has one of the worst economic records ever! I believe that 85,000+ of his constituents declared bankruptcy when he was governor. He increased the tax on fuel in his state by 16%. He increases the cigarette tax by 103%. The average tax burden increased 47% for the citizens of Arkansas! It is no wonder that nearly 100,000 went bankrupt. This is documented information that you are either unaware of or you have chosen to ignore! Not too intelligent! He was investigated by the Ethics Committee 14 times as the Arkansas Governor. He was indited five times that I know of. Where were his good Christian values then?

Does it not bother you that he would give your nation to the illegal population? His fight for giving tuition breaks to the children of illegal immigrants is well documented and he speaks of it openly now! He has also fought to make identification unnecessary in order to receive benefits which come from the tax base that he is so fond of raising. This guy is an economic and national nightmare! How can you possibly support him so blindly? I'm sorry to sound harsh, but you need to grow up politically. This is not about whose relegion you like the best! Get real!

I am a conservative Bible reading, church going Christian woman, but I fear that the Evangelical community is in a "fervor" over a Baptist minister and have forgotten that they are supposed to be looking for someone to run the nation, not teach them a Sunday School lesson. I'd be the first in line Sunday morning for a Huckabee sermon, but I will not put him in charge of my country! Come on Evangelicals, don't roll belly up on this one!

Romney is pro-American, anti-illegal immigraton. He is the ONLY candidate that has a plan to solve the illegal immigration problem that does not include amnesty! THANK YOU MITT! FINALLY!

Romney is a financial genius and is well known for it! He has the business sense to run Washington. His record with Massachusettes has been applauded by financial experts all over the country.

Romney supports traditional family values. I don't beleive that he is the flip-flopper that the name callers say he is. He has never voted pro-choice or pro gay marriage, NEVER! Look it up.

He has shown that he is intelligent on issues of national security.

Come Jason, can you really say that Huckabee is the, "only Republican candidate"? He is one of the most economically LIBERAL candidates on the ballot.

A real Christian would honor the Constitution which is a devinely inspred document and not blur the line between church and state. Shame on those of you who do.

Tom, Atlanta, GA   December 3rd, 2007 3:04 pm ET

Republicans have had two main accomplishments/objectives in the last 6 years: Trying to replace the Constitution with the New Testament and Out of control spending on a "credit card" instead of pay as you go.

America doesn't need either this kind of Social or Economic "Conservatism." It only proves they don't know the meaning of the word.

Because of this, they don't stand a chance... "Thank God"

Nominate Ron Paul. His 10% crazy gives him NO chance of EVER winning a general election.

J Houston, TX   December 3rd, 2007 2:53 pm ET

For ANYBODY in the Republican Party to criticize anyone for fiscal irresponsibility is absurd. Your current Republican President (aided and abetted for six years by a Republican Congress) is on course to double the national debt in just eight years.

Actually, economic growth is spurred by the taxcuts suggests the budget may even get out of the red by 2012 if policy doesn't change.

george,ks,mo   December 3rd, 2007 2:30 pm ET

The last thing would like to see is another republican in the white house. No offense intended here.>>>>>>>>

Randy S. Lawton, OK   December 3rd, 2007 2:12 pm ET

As an undecided, independent I find Huckabee interesting at least. But I read and hear that he is an evolution denier and a Young Earth believer.
If these things are true, there's no way I can vote for him.
However, I have seen nothing factual to support these statements. If anyone knows this to be true and can offer a source other than hearsay, I would be very appreciative.

J. Stiles, Trenton, NJ   December 3rd, 2007 2:04 pm ET

His campaing slogan: "Faith, Family, Freedom." Faith? Is he running for Pope? America is NOT a theocracy. When will these people ever learn this? They criticize Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc. for theocracy
politics and then want the same here. Enough hypocrisy and double-talk!!!

Paul, New Orleans, LA   December 3rd, 2007 1:41 pm ET

Ron Paul is the only real Republican candidate.!!!

JasonV, Oklahoma City, OK   December 3rd, 2007 1:18 pm ET

Huckabee is the only real Republican candidate!!!

David - Portland, Oregon   December 3rd, 2007 1:13 pm ET

It is understandable that enthusiasm is running high in those individuals who are supporting a particular political candidate or political party. Many supporters of a candidate or political party are very serious about who they give their loyalty to just as serious as those who support their favorite sports team or religion. Influencing them to switch or change their loyal or religion is very hard, if not imposable.

We all need to be objective in deciding who will be our next President and lay our preconceived objections to the side and ask the questions “what candidate wishes to serve all the people and is not obligated to anyone or the special interests”.

The voice of America is saying “Washington is not for sale anymore!”

AJ, IL   December 3rd, 2007 1:12 pm ET

Republicans, Mike Huckabee might be your only candidate capable of withstanding the Democratic attacks, and still retain his Republican core values. As a Democratic candidate I would love to run against Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani, but would less likely like to run against McCain or Huckabee.

Walter, Long Beach   December 3rd, 2007 1:02 pm ET

For ANYBODY in the Republican Party to criticize anyone for fiscal irresponsibility is absurd. Your current Republican President (aided and abetted for six years by a Republican Congress) is on course to double the national debt in just eight years.

Frank, San Diego   December 3rd, 2007 12:58 pm ET

Welcome to the big leagues, Reverend.

marquis   December 3rd, 2007 12:47 pm ET

Huckabee was corrupt here in Arkansas. He is wife accepting money and gifts and then when they were investigated Huckabee had documents shredded and computers erased. Whenever I heard Huckabee was running for president my first thought was that he was trying to create a cover so that the Arkansas Attorney General wouldn't go after him.

Donna, Naples FL   December 3rd, 2007 12:33 pm ET

His campaign slogan: Faith, Family, Freedom. A former preacher with oil and gas ties? NO THANKS!!! Enough already!

David - Portland, Oregon   December 3rd, 2007 12:28 pm ET

"Independent in IA" = Ron Paul

Ron, New Haven, CT   December 3rd, 2007 12:20 pm ET

The latest poll of Iowa shows Romney taking the lead back! Link.

anon, new york, ny   December 3rd, 2007 12:14 pm ET

Like Obama, Huckabee is all talk, no substance.

Huckabee has poor record as a governor does not surprise me. Do as I say, not as I do.

His proposal to get rid of the IRS is a joke, and only fools will beleive him. The reason is that, without the IRS, there has to be another organization to collect taxes, and enforce the tax laws Huckabee proposes.

Do not trust a word he says.

Robert, Houston TX   December 3rd, 2007 12:10 pm ET

The current administration is so bad, anyone who gets elected in 08 will seem progressive in comparison. When you move from the worst president in the history of our nation to even a mediocre president, you've got some serious progress there. Imagine how great it will be if the winner ends up actually being effective in bringing some change in the major areas that need it... Amazing just to think of something good coming from the White House.

Marsha, Des Moines   December 3rd, 2007 11:57 am ET

The only reason the real dirt on Huckabee hasn't come out yet is because he was relatively unknown until recently, in the back of the pack.

Now that he's gaining in the polls, I'm sure a lot of voters supporting Huckabee are going to be pretty shocked at just how 'unconservative' on the economy and other areas Huckabee really is.

I've been doing a lot of my own research from his stint as Governor and I couldn't support him any longer after reading it all.

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   December 3rd, 2007 11:40 am ET

Typical oily politician half-truth answer to the question about raising taxes–"I voted to reduce taxes 94 times..."–but nothing about the 21 times he raised taxes and the net half-a-billion dollar in tax increases by the time he left office.

This guy looks to me like the worst of both parties: a tax-and-spend warmonger.

J Houston, TX   December 3rd, 2007 11:37 am ET

I for one, don't want a progressive agenda. Other than stabalizing the Iraq war and a few of the legislation items that will be handled this year or next, I am very satisfied with the state of the economy, healthcare, and social security (if they'd just stop borrowing from it or pay the system back). Some free trade policy changes would be nice, but we are locked into deals by the national debt. At the same time, raising taxes on income is NOT the way to fix the problem. And BOTH sides of the chopping block want to eliminate estate taxes or increase the lower limit.

The only significant progressive IS a republican and that's Ron Paul...whom I want nothing to do with aside from his dissolving the Education department (from a teacher's perspective, great idea).

Mar, Salt Lake City, Utah   December 3rd, 2007 11:37 am ET

The Republicans have a political agenda laid out and I feel it's the best course for America... but given that there is no clear front runner, they're all trying to become such. For Democrats, there is a large possibility that we know Hillary will be the nominee... but for the Republicans, we have no idea. So, by pointing things out in eachother's records, they can differentiate themselves to better inform the public of who they have available to vote for.

Daniel, Houston Texas   December 3rd, 2007 11:33 am ET

It seems all the candidates are criticizing each other, because they have no vision or policy they can put forth so they try to build themselves up tearing down the rest of the field.
If they had anything to offer they would be talking about that.

...
Carol, please dont make this anymore partisan than it has to be, both sides live up to this statement.

Independent in IA   December 3rd, 2007 11:31 am ET

His record as governor should come under fire as being as weak and unknown as the clown himself;

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   December 3rd, 2007 11:27 am ET

This is funny–since none of them really have anything "cutting edge" going on–I guess about all they've got to talk about is how bad everyone elses "definitely un-progressive" agendas are. How many times can you point to George Bush and say:"I'm going to do just like him–but more charming."

Carol Lipski SC   December 3rd, 2007 11:14 am ET

It seems all the republicans candidates are criticizing each other, because they have no vision or policy they can put forth so they try to build themselves up tearing down the rest of the field.
If they had anything to offer they would be talking about that.

Daniel, NY   December 3rd, 2007 11:12 am ET

This isn't very surprising, given that Huckabee has a lead in Iowa outside the margin of error in the latest Iowa poll!

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@wolfblitzercnn: Trifecta -- NOT. My Redskins, Bills and Packers all lose this weekend. Very sad.
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:40:09 -0800
@HornickCNN: RT @andersoncooper: Interactive: The top 10 Health-Care-Reform Players http://bit.ly/6C3OlX
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:47:50 -0800
@HornickCNN: RT @cnn_oppmann: CNN.com: Mexico City approves same-sex marriage. http://bit.ly/5RyMnk #mexico
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:46:26 -0800
@HornickCNN: Rudy's reportedly not running for NY SEN or Gov ...
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:43:48 -0800
@wolfblitzercnn: Redskins-Giants always exciting. Both teams have a lot to prove. And Giants can still salvage playoffs. Skins just need a win.
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:19:36 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP