"I am not going to ask for you to endorse from the pulpit," said Huck. Yeh, sure! So much for separation of church and state. If you like theocracies (Iran, Saudi Arabia,
etc.) you'll love Huckabee as Prez. Beware.

When are ever going to get religion OUT of politics?? If churches are going to campaign, they should pay taxes like all other business.

This is why Huckabee just can't win. PLEASE DON"T VOTE FOR HUCK MICHIGAN!

If Huck wins the nomination, it will seal the GOP's fate to that of the Religious Right.

As a religious person, not of evangelical persuasion, that scares me. I want a representive that is not beholden to Religious political activists yet is morally sound, that is the best on economics, and great on National Security. Mitt Romney is the only GOP candidate to be strong on all fronts.

Great! That's just what our country needs. A bunch of Christian leaders running policy. That is the twisted logic of Bush and Co. And look at the great job they did! I think if Huckabee gets the nomination, the Republican Party is dust.

This story tells me that Mike Huckabee must be over the target taking flack, due to the weak mined elite media trying to express itself forcefully again.

Go Huckabee!

I am tired of this guy - please remove him from the picture as soon as possible. He is harping on evangelicals once again and then says that he is not running on his faith. Who are we to believe? Hypocrite. I also think because of his hypocrisy Huckabee is mocking our God's name, his religion, and Christianity as whole - this is very bad for the believers.

I'm a Christian and I absolutely hate how Huckabee is using the his Christian beliefs to get votes. It makes my stomach turn! Even when he speaks he talks of a "good old fashion tent revivial" or "the gates of Hell."

Under Huckabee's (un)FairTax, those unemployeed folks in Michigan will by 23% sales tax on goods/services…how? They're not working…let's get real…if he is elected, Michigan will suffer even more!

South Carolina, please don't let this guy fool you…if you're a Christian look at the other Republicans. Just becasue he's a Baptist preacher, doesn't make him the right person for President.

This strategy is immoral and unpatriotic IMO. I am a Romney supporter, and if it were suggested to Mitt that he urge Mormon leaders to actively mobilize for his support, he would be insulted by the suggestion. In any case, if any viable Mormon candidate tried a stunt like this, the Mormon leadership in Salt Lake City, Utah would officially reprimand the attempt for being out of line with policy. Churches should not be actively involved in politics. It may be that Mormons in large support Romney, but if they do so, it will not be because they have been coerced or persuaded by their clergy. It is not right.

There seems to be no lack of Sectist people on these boards. So the man isn't an Atheist, or very libreal in his Theology. Quit trying to force people of different faiths than yourself from getting into office. This is America, there is a seperation of church and state, which means the government does not have the right to force a particular sect of religion on people. So you can't say it is wrong by our constitution for this man to run for office, or call it a bad thing. If you have a problem with him, you need to appeal to somthing else, such as your own religious beliefs. But be honest about that, don't hide behind twisting the laws of this country, or poor logic.

This man is free to run for office. His strongly held beliefs means that things will happen. It may be for good or for bad, we won't know unless he gets into office. But those w/o strong beliefs generally don't get anything done period. I'd rather have someone who knows where he stands on things in office, even if I didn't agree with everything he said.

This man is scary. He uses a religious, belief-based set of codes to entice the "fundy" voters but in the same breath promises that he will never impose his beliefs on the American public. If that is the case then why does he need to recruit fundamentalist voters?

Oh yeah it worked for baby Bush.

I'm a christian, and cant' stand him. He tries to pretend to be this upright moral person, but had 14 ETHIC COMPLAINS FOR TAKING EXPENSIVE 'GIFTS' FROM PEOPLE THAT LATER WOULD BENEFIT FROM HIM BEING GOVERNOR. Wake up people! He's more Pharisee then true disciple - we're supposed to be on the lookout for people who say Jesus's name a lot but love to be in places of honor. If you're really this morally upright candidate shouldn't the ethics committee have nothing but glowing praise of you?

I think one thing is clear, if Huckabee wins the Republican nomination we will have a Democratic president next year. The American people don't want someone who, like Bush, will be viewed as a Christian Crusader. Strategies like this make people who aren't (and many who are) born again Christians nervous.

I see a lot of boo-hoo-hoo, and wah, wah, wah why? Because people are excited about somebody who relates to them and carries himself with the highest integrity, is upbeat even when he is downtrodden, and has fun doing it. Huckabee pokes fun at himself but he's as serious as a heart attack about lifting up those who've been torn down. He's even taking on his own party for their weaknesses and failures in dealing with middle class and poverty America. I blind man can see the truth in Huck, but a liberal will always be a liberal.

Huckabee is just trying to get the support of people who share his values. Is there a candidate who doesn't do that? The only people who object to what Huckabee is doing support his opponents anyway…

Just like the other candidates, he is a person of faith and is informed by it. He has never pushed his religion on others,

The real objection is to his conservative values. It bothers liberals that he is so articulate in taking the same moral positions that have won most the of the Presidential elections over the last 30 years. Get used to it!

A complete election violation. The churches that these ministers preach in should lose their tax-exempt status.

This is an un-American ploy to get votes - If only his christian brothers and sisters knew about his tax record, immigration record, lack of foreign policy record, and his record weak punishments for killers and drug users. This man needs some credentials!!!

I am a church going individual but does nobody else see this as illiegal? Churches are not taxed and as part of that cannot promote a political candidate. That's why the old dirty baptist past-ard says "I'm not asking you to endorse me from the pulpit", so he can say he said not to endorse, but of course they will do it anyway. Alot like "I'm not going to run the add but let me show it to you any way." I hope people In Michigan aren't as stupid as the idiots in Iowa who voted for Suckabee just because he was Baptist. The guy is a slimeball who can't defend anything about his own record other than to call someone dishonest. No Mike, it is you who is dishonest. Anybody but Huckabee or Clinton in 2008!

Bob, I have no problems with his values. That is the one redeeming quality about the guy. I am conservative through and through. I want vote for him because he is a BIG OLD FASHION LIAR! Sorry to the state of Arkansas but everything they have put forward for president is crap.

It's funny….protect us from what…there is and has always been a Christian church on every corner of this country. If you don't like that there are people who respect Christian values and are the ones who are tolerant of those who don't…well…vote your conscience…or leave!

What really, really scares me are Anti-Christian bigots!

Keep those prayers going UP!!!

Go Huck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What concerns me is the fact that he is encouraging church leaders to use their church registries and member lists to actively campaign to vote. He is skating thin ice regarding encouraging churches to risk losing their tax exempt status.

Sure it is one thing to place flyers on car windows in a church parking lot, but another totally different to "wink wink. Nudge Nudge" Ministers to basically violate their tax exempt status by endorsing a candidate and using their position in the church to solicit the votes of the other members using church assets.

Using registries/member lists to actively campaign is a clear violation. Those lists are not be used for political purposes.

Why the heck has everyone became anti-religion or anti-America all of a sudden?? All these liberals on this board try to post comments about how they want a person without beliefs??? thats freaking ridiculous. morals are ESSENTIAL for running and a country, and CHRISTIANITY shows people morals. I know its hard for some people to grasp that.

This guy wants THE GOVERNMENT to be OUT of PEOPLES personal LIVES.

because this is HOW AMERICA WORKS, and has been for hundreds of years! America doesn't have a big government! its the federal government should be extremely limited. If you want laws involving personal things, go to the state government. THIS ISN'T COMMUNISM.

if you dont like america right now then LEAVE THE COUNTRY. this is the SAFEST its been in a LONG time.

Paul Thompson, Baptist are the biggest bigots in the world. Try not being one in the south and you'll know what I mean. Baptist calling a person a bigot is epitome of the pot calling the kettle black. By the way Paul, do you even know how the SOUTHERN Baptist Church got started? Anti-Christian bigots indeed?

Sorry Paul but your boy Huckabee is Bill Clinton Jr.

"Mobilize in every way possible every single friend you know" but oh no, not from the pulpit. Wow. Not running on his religious beliefs, eh? Wow.
What a joke. The troubling thing is that too many people don't see the irony. How does he get away with this?

Also, Bush has done a good job as president. I like how he continues to stand up for what he believes in even after all this hate everyone gives him.

I'm not going to say anything negative about this. But if I were going to say anything negative, this is what I would say:

"This is low-class politics, getting as close to the edge of illegality [in the separation of church and state, and in the tax-exempt status of these churches] as possible."

Huckabee seems to be a good guy. However, he is unelectable. If he does well now, it will just seal a Republican victory for Giuliani by taking votes away from Romney. I would urge all Huckabee suporters to consider who they prefer; Giuliani or Romney. Heck, they probably hate both of them, but at this stage of the game a vote for Huckabee is almost equivalent to a vote for Giuliani. If Huckabee somehow manages to win the Republican nomination, it will just ensure victory for Clinton or Obama.

Maybe Romney should start a whisper campaign that the IRS has begun an active investigation on all religious organizations to determine if they have violated their tax exempt status for various activities including the endorsement and solicitation of votes during political elections.

Maybe just the rumor would be enough to stifle the rapture politics of Huckabee. This is bad, really bad.

Huckabee is not bad. All the arguments against him are all explainable. Nothing huckabee has said has backfired or been in any way hindering to his potential as president. Nobody can say anything about him.

Read it however you want… Huckabee is a great man, person and candidate. With or without his religion, his issues STAND!! Romeny for Michigan? Please - his home state? The man left here and never returned. Don't be fooled by that Michigan. He appears plastic to me. The Reagon Dynasty, the Clinton Dynasty and the Bush Dynasty and now the Romney Dynasty? Not in my book. VOTE HUCKABEE - I like Mike!!!!

Tyler, you mean arguments like these:

hotair dot com/archives/2008/01/10/mike-huckabee-and-the-shiite-republicans/

Ryan….two wrongs don't make a right.

And we have Freedom in this country…because of Judeo-Christian values.

exactly right MR PRESIDENT-this country cannot recover without regaining its soul. Thank you sir for telling the truth. May the almight bless you in Michigan. blogging north of your border abit…transplanted from louisiana the forgotten state.

This is truely disgusting. Was in not our FOUNDING FATHERS who said that anyone using religion for political gain is not fit for any position?
I am all for our prestident to have strong Christian values because such a moral compase only helps when making difficult desicions, but this guy is the worst of the worst to ask church learders to wield their authority for him. He isn't running on any type of platform, he is just asking all pastors to help him. Does this make sence? What did he say in the debate last night that makes any type of sense? Let's see, Illegal immigrants can got themselves to the US, they can get themselves out. Yeah that is how it will work. He also said the didn't raise taxes he raised hope. He raised "hope" in excess of $500 million. His health care program is that we all stop being so unhealthy and our costs will come down. The only plan he has, and it can't work, is the Fair Tax, and the supposed downfall of the IRS. Well you can't get rid of the IRS and still collect the Fair Tax, and even if you could it still wouldn't work, unless Huckabee knows something that all leading economists don't know. Also for those who say the fair tax is 23%, they should do their research. The Fair Tax is 30%, but it is twisted to look like 23%. I will tell you how. If you buy a pack of gum that is $1, under the Fair Tax it will be $1.30. Looks like 30% doesn't it? Leads one to wonder how can Huckabee claim it is only 23%. Well the tax is an increase of 30 cents on the dollor, but 30 cents is only 23% of $1.30. Sounds splendid doesn't it. As that is Huckabee's only plan to do anything with the US which will never happen, he goes to churches to find votes based on nothing but they have the same religious doctrine. Wow, what a great reason to vote for someone and an even better way to campain. Huckabee is pathetic for even attemting it, and it is even sadder that people will vote for this dispiciple man.

Ike, Huckabee is not using his religion for "political gain". He just simply states what he believes and people like him because of his morals.

and DJ ross, i'm not even gonna go to that site, just looking at how that ridiculously stupid that URL is.

Ike…tell me one candidate that hasn't spoke in a church or advocated a Christian belief system….your comments are total garbage. And the more garbage in…the more garbage out…let Christians have their say…we don't need more Anti-Christian bigots in this country.

Somebody needs to remind Huckabee that we live in a DEMOCRACY, not a Theocracy. This man is the most DANGEROUS candidate by far. God help us all if he becomes President.

Ike, Huckabee is not using his religion for "political gain". He just simply states what he believes and people like him because of his morals

Like i have said in other post. The only plank that Mike Huckabee has to stand on is the fact that he is a Christian and is essential guilt tripping Christians into voting for him. The man has a horrible record on running his state, he took "kickbacks" as governor of Arkansas and also raised taxes many many times. It is unfortunate that Americans have had the wool pulled over their eyes by Mike Huckabee. I do agree with those that say he is a great man, but as a candidate and as the potential leader of this country he is far from great. Most of the candidates this year are unacceptable for being President. Many do not understand the role of the President and the role of the United States in regards to foreign affairs. Do your homework and figure out what the role of the President is and the role of our executive branch and you will see that our current administration and the potential administrations have gotten it all wrong. I encourage each person to critically evaluate each candidate after you have studied what the role of the Government and what the role of the President is. You will find the field of acceptable candidates is very small. 2 in fact. You can figure that out also. A vote for Mike Huckabee is a vote against every thing that this country was founded on. Regardless of his moral convictions and past work experience of being a pastor he is misinformed of what a President should do. Voting for him will continue the downward spiral of this country in economic depression, needless war on foreign lands and the war on our personal freedoms in this country. Hopefully the words of stronger candidates do not fall on deaf ears. If i made any spelling errors or grammatical errors i apologize i don't really feel like going over this. Best regards, Paul

Yeah, I can't wait for Huckabee to get the nomination since he promised many times that Stephen Colbert would be his running mate!!

Wouldn't that be GREAT??????????????

Why oh why do liberals want us christians to be TOLERANT of them…but they don't think they need to be tolerant of us. Every single candidate "works" every possible support base they can find…be it workers unions / political allies / media supporters / education supports / etc etc etc… Huckabee is just doing the same…just because you don't like his beliefs doesn't make his methods WRONG. What about those wonderfully TOLERANT attitudes you speak so highly of….where are YOURS ???

I'm not sure who I'm voting for….but at least I'm willing to listen to ALL of them…and then decide who I want….hope ya all do the same. Then we will all be ok here in the great USA.

All of Hickabee's televangical propagandist electioneering networks should lose their TAX-EXEMPT NON-PROFIT STATUS…as we've known all along….while Hickabee mobilizes his vast powerful finacial televangical network to defeat middle-American canadiates from the Republican Party with help from other Candiates like McCain, and with a TON of free air time from the foreign (French/Canadian/German) owned LEFT-WING global media conglomerates such as NBC UNIVERSAL/GE/VIVENDI UNIVERSAL/BERTELSMANN AG/ABC and the one lone Right-Wing, but STILL foreign owned (Australian) nonetheless NEWSCORP….AMERICANS KEEP GETTING MANIPULATED WITH FOREIGN MONEY/MEDIA/PROPAGANDA….and the ONLY ones they aren't helping are poor old Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney!!! WHY?? They back Obama/Clinton/Hickabee/McCain. Leaving the TRUE AMERICAN candidates who are FOR ***America's** best interests (not foreigner's best interests) Thompson/McCain to fight this huge almost insurmountable WALL OF ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA. I will stand by these loyal, brave AMERICAN candidates THompson/Romney as they continue to stand by ME and all the rest of my fellow Americans..will my fellow AMERICANS stand by them too? I pray they will. Or our elections will have been bought by foreign money yet again :(…

VOTE ROMNEY/THOMPSON in 2008!!!!

Huckabee's tactics are absolutely pathetic. Evangelicals ought to find this kind of strategy an insult. Huckabee is basically saying, "pastors, tell your congregations that even if they've never heard of me, vote for me, because I'm one of you. Forget the issues, there's no time for that. Look into that later. You must get out and vote for me. Trust me." As if evangelicals are so mindless that they'll just blindly vote for a guy that says he's an evangelical too. The family of the victim that got murdered by the guy that Huckabee pardoned made a statement recently, and Huckabee said, "it's a shame that people are politicizing this tragic event" Gov Huckabee, this is the tragic event right here — that you have stooped so low that you're violating the very principles that keep America's churches operating with their tax-exempt status.

Republicans will not tolerate this kind of tactic, and should Huckabee win the nomination, I know many Republicans will vote Democrat to make a statement…that we can not reward a candidate with this kind of inappropriate campaign behavior. Let's raise the bar, not lower it.

Donna, the issue isn't about tolerance. It is about legality. Workers unions, the media, education supporters, etc., etc. are all tax-paying portions of America. Churches are TAX EXEMPT for the very reason that they should not participate in politics. That is constitutional and irrefutable.

If these pastors and churches would truly like to switch their position from being politically neutral to politically active, and pay taxes accordingly like the rest of business-america, then more power to them. But don't do it under-the-table and in secrecy, toeing the line of legality and going beyond the line, as I believe they did in this instance.

Huckabee and his anti abortion stance should make every liberal woman cringe. I just hope all those good Christians out there are willing to open their homes to all the unwanted babies, especially those born with aids or crack addiction, when he overturns the right to choose.

A President is supposed to be elected on his leadership skills, knowlege, and his/her's ability to bring about accomplishment. They are applying for a job, and should be presenting thier resume. Not run thier campaign on the premise of another Christian Crusade. This country was founded on the premise of seperation of church and state. Huckelberry lost my vote the minute he asked a reporter a deliberate devisive question regarding Mormon theology. This is not a man who leads ALL Americans. This is a man who wants to be King over only those who agree with him. I loved Mitt's speach when he said that the President of this country will need prayers from members of ALL faiths. So tell me who is the most professional and prepared here? I look at Hucky and see only perspiration stains. I will pray to God in my chapel of choice. I will vote for my preferred candidate based on their past political and business history. Enough said.

Pretty Soon He will be telling Pastors how to pray. When does the true "Christian Leader" realize he is making a mockery out of religion and his faith!

Hucakbee appealing to Christain voters is no different than Obama chanting his weak slogan (yes we can) in Spanish to appeal to a specific group.

Why are you liberals so resistant to God and good Christian people? I will never understand your hate.

Like Donna stated in her comments above, why do you expect everyone to tolerate your behaviors, yet you think it is ok to be bigots and hate Christians? Most true Christians are very good people that do not deserve your nasty comments.

We Christians will pray for you to soften your hearts and open them up to God. That is the ONLY thing that will truly solve the problems and unite America or the world for that matter!

God save us from these complainers and fake alarmists here rattling on against Mike Huckabee. I am sure they are just as critical or more so when someone speaks ill of their favorite football team or color of thier mobile home. Wake up American! These people are the reason why our country has moved in the wrong direction for the last forty years.

GO HUCKABEE!

Amen to all your points, Donna.

I pray for my fellow Americans every day. Huckabee gets my vote because he is the only person who has a passion for every human life, period. The comments on this site show just how lost this country is. Separation of church and state? People need to read the constitution… as this is not anywhere in it. This is a Christian nation founded on Christian principles. These Christian beliefs is what allows the freedom of religion in this country in the first place. That is what makes this country so special.

People need to quit passing judgement because Huckabee is a proud Christian American, which by the way forms the compassionate character that he has. Let's say people didn't know he was a Chrisian, would their view of him be different? Personally, I think it would be, It is amazing how people view others (like Huckabee) that are obedient servants of God serving in a manner that it envious to others. Don't dislike, hate and discrimminate against this man for being proud of his convictions. Huckabee shows the love that God wants all of his followers to show and he does not pass judgement on others because they don't hold the same beliefs. His record as governor clearly shows that. He is actually the opposite of these preconceived accusations and embraces all people.

Where is the freedom of religion for Huckabee and other Christians of this nation? Why is it that people think this applies only to those who do not proudly wear their beliefs? Don't people realize that the ignorant thinking "separation of church and state" is what is tearing this country apart? Anyone who calls themselves a Christian, yet criticizes a person for wearing their religion should question and pray why they don't proudly proclaim their faith as The Bible teaches. Those who don't hold Christian beliefs can choose to continue in their existing religious beliefs, scientific/evolution beliefs or convert to Christianity.. whatever they choose. They also can choose to move to another country that is not founded on Christian principles and be forced to follow whatever beliefs are dictated to them there.

This is a critical election for the future of our country. I pray that people wake up and see that only a leader who cares for people from the depths of their heart can heal and uplift this nation to the great nation it once was.

Huckabee is that man!

Mr. Huckabee seems to be a very nice man, but he does have a fatal flaw: religion. And whenever religion is involved, people lose their minds and rant and rave like rabid dogs. The best example is the Middle East where in the name of religion, they blow each other to smithereens. We're not that crazy yet, but the potenetial for great violence is still there. It would not take much to turn these so-called peace loving individuals into raving maniacs. History teaches us that religion destroys everything and everyone it touches. One would think we would have learned our lesson by now, but as long as the finality of death scares the crap out of us mammals, we will just go on believing in this ludicrous fairytale of a divine (huh?) entity and its promise of paradise. It amazes and scares me that intelligent people can believe such utter nonsense.
If this gets published, I can just imagine the reaction from the religious fruitcakes out there. Actually, their reaction speaks volumes about what I just wrote.

If pastors do endorse a candidate, their church loses tax-exempt status. Huckabee must know this. I smell ulterior motives by his even bringing it up.

I'm a Republican church-goer, but this is another very sad example of how quickly the blurring of church and state has gotten out of hand over the last seven years. I generally support President Bush, but the faith-based initiatives that he introduced are clearly unconstitutional. The federal government should not be making payments to any church for any purpose, other than MAYBE FEMA disaster rebuilding, but even that is questionable. Charity should be based on self-sacrifice; government funding only corrupts otherwise good causes.

However, Huckabee is exploiting faith at a whole other level. These widespread illegal pulpit endorsements will have their price and who knows how they will be repaid? I know the Democrats do it all the time too, but that doesn't make it right. Vote for common sense and separation of church and state: vote Romney.

Mike Huckabee is the only true conservative in the race. He is a social conservative, supporting life, marriage and the family. He is a fiscal conservative vowing to raise no new taxes, plus he and at least two dozen house representatives endorse the first comprehensive tax reform bill in my lifetime — the Fair Tax that taxes consumption rather than income.

Mike Huckabee is the only authentic, consistent, conservative in the race. Vote for Mike Huckabee.

Paul Thompson–Those who try to demean groups of people because of their beliefs are bigots. I believe you just grouped "anti-Christians." I hope you ask His forgiveness before you go to sleep tonight. Think, then speak.

All you folks that are calling us liberal and anti-christian because we don't support Huckabee are helping up make our point. The others on this particular story's blog with probably a few exceptions are convservative Christians too. We are not voting for Huckabee because he is a Christian but because he has nothing to offer our country except for the same funny quips he uses in his sermons. I don't need my pastor running the country. When it comes down to it, I wouldn't have the Huckster for my pastor because he's a lying slimeball.

Back to this story, he's asking the Michigan pastors to do something illegal. Bottom line.

Romney attacks his record. He responds by calling him dishonest a billion times instead a answering the charges made. Why, because he's the one that is dishonest.

A dishonest Baptist Pastor? How's that you say? He says he thinks Mormons are a religion not a cult. What do Baptist believe? They are cult. I hear 4-5 sermons a year to this effect. Where at? My Baptist Church. Where did the Huckster go give the keynote speech a few years back? The Southern Baptist Convention in SaltLake City. To be a Baptist preacher and to have gone to Theological Seminary and to say that he believes Mormons to be a religion is what? A BIG LIE!!!

So to those of your that are calling us liberal non-Christians because we don't support Mike Huckabee, it's pretty ironic because that's what he is.

MIKE HUCKABEE IS A LIBERAL NON-CHRISTIAN BECAUSE HE LIES AND TELLS OTHER PASTORS TO BREAK THE LAW. Something Jesus Christ wouldn't want to be associated with.

Why are you liberals so resistant to God and good Christian people? I will never understand your hate.

Maybe because you good Christian people were taken in by the likes of hypocrites like Bush Cheney Rove Robertson and Falwell and helped saddle ourcountry with the worst administration in our history.

A vote for Huckabee, is a vote for leading America "to the gates of Hell." Huckabee is a bigot, a thief, and a liar. Just look at his record in Arkansas, at least he wasn't able to shred that, unlike the computer hard drives he had destroyed before leaving office. Seeing the number of voters supporting Huckabee makes me realize that our educational system is truly failing in this country.

Huckabee is incapable of marshaling support beyond the evangelical base. You know this because every explicit plea for votes not made on a live debate is to ministers who are told to solicit votes from the pulpit without soliciting votes from the pulpit. Before you think I made a typo think about how ludicrous it sounds and then compare it to what he is saying.

He uses alliteration and internal rhyme in a folksy manner and avoids difficult questions in debates. He has no experience besides being a Governor who grew the government.

If Obama asked African American leader's to call their friends and talk to them about him, that would be fine. If Hillary reached out to women leaders, that would be fine. If John Edwards reaches out to union leaders, that's fine. If Huckabee reaches out to religious leaders, he's evil? I don't get it. I've seen shallow attacks against Huckabee online recently that hold no water. After checking into each one I've found them all to be false. What I've also found is that they come either from people who are anti-religion or supporting one of his opponents. For those who aren't religious, if that's your life choice that's fine, but don't attack someone just because they made a different life choice. This countries protection of religious freedoms means you shouldn't be penalized for not having a religion or for having a religion. It seems a lot of people want to penalize Huckabee for having religion thereby violating the very freedom they claim to be standing up for while attacking Huckabee. As for those who support one of Huckabee's competitor, why can't we keep it clean. If the republican rips itself apart by being too negative in the primary process we are going to be hurting when it comes general election time. Huckabee has kept it clean, McCain has kept it clean as well. It appears general the supporters for both have followed suit and kept it clean. Mitt and Fred have been down right nasty at times, and their followers have taken on the same tactics. I hope Mitt and Fred smarten up for the sake of the party and I hope others do as well.

Hey Anonymous, many of us here are Christians too, and we saying, "enough is enough". The tactics Huckabee is using is borderline unethical and illegal. It's an embarrassment to the Republican party to stoop this low and basically use church email lists to solicit votes. And yes, that is what he's asking them to do…under the table type of tactics. If someone confronts Huckabee on this issue, he'll kindly disagree that he's doing something illegal, and will insist that he's playing by the rules, but in reality, he's using his wink-wink nudge-nudge manners to skirt the issue so he saves face. This country, and especially, these Republicans, are smarter than that, and would appreciate Huckabee not giving the Republican party, nor Christians in this country such a bad image. And that's what it is…a bad image…Huckabee is giving the appearance of evil although he's saying it's no evil.

To Paul and Tyler:

An answer to you comments. Huckabee is using his religion for political gain. I don't mind any politician discussing their views in any forum, chuch, sports arena, or expo center. That isn't my beef. My beef is Huckabee setting aside 100 ministers to use their connections to get him votes. If my minister told me to vote for a guy I would have to look at the guys record and his views. Huckabee isn't asking to be able to talk to the people or congragation, he is using the fact that he was a baptist minister to get other ministers to tell their congragations who to vote for. I don't care who you are, that is wrong.
As for Christians having their say. Please do. Just make it an educated say. What political issue is it that makes you like Mike Huckabee. All of the candidates who are running, democrat or republican, are Christians, or at least claim to be. If you are voting for someone because he or she is Christian then are you voting for everyone. I am a Christian. I want my voice heard. I want the best person in the white house. There are unfortunately only 2 Christians in the republican race that haven't been divorced, and only one of them doesn't have an ethics violation. There is only one who vetoed 4 abortion bills. There is only one who wrote to EVERY SINGLE member of congress asking them to pass the sanctity of marriage act. Which McCain voted against.
Tell me Huckabee's solutions to a problem. I have yet to hear a plan that he has other than the fair tax which I think is completely bogus. What will he do to help Michigan out of their economic woes? Why should anyone in the congregations of the 100 ministers vote for this man because of his superbly outlined plan for Michigan? Exactly my point. He has nothing other than asking ministers to get their congegations to vote for him. THAT IS USING RELIGION FOR POLITICAL GAIN, or did you not read tha article above.

Nate, to ask religous leaders to get their church members to vote for certain person is against the law. Simple as that. What might I ask have you looked into and found false? I would like for you to come out and point out the falsehoods since Huckabee won't. Huckabee not nasty? Whatever. "Here's the negative ad that I'm not going to run but let me show you any way." How many time has he called Mitt Romney dishonest without saying and proving that he was dishonest when all he has done is point out the Huckster's record as governor? How about "I was for the surge before you were" when video evidence shows differently and I sure hope you saw him trying to defend himself on that. Sorry Nate, I love religion and religious people, in which I strongly include myself, but Huckabee is a lying hypocrite to the 3rd degree. What's sad is that is what is going to take down the Republicans, not Mitt's attack on Huck's record. It will be people voting for Huck just because he's Baptist minister and nothing more.

Romney is a joke who inherited his dad's money and business connections.

I admire how Huckabee raised himself out of poverty and became a success.

I'm voting for Huckabee..

Nate, well said, i agree!

I think Huckabee should have to give a speech for Americans concerned about his Southern Baptist beliefs. After all, women are subjected to men, fundamentalists control their convention, and the only reason there are "southern" Baptists is because Baptists never united after the Civil War.

The same group today which pushes for pro-life, pro-guns, anti-gay issues because "the Bible tells us so" looks like the same as the group who defended slavery and segregation because "the Bible tells us so." Compare a north-south map to the red & blue today- not a lot of difference.

Women especially should be very worried about this guy.

No David the reason our Country has moved in the direction it has is because the American people have elected officials that have no respect for the Constitution and no respect for the American people. We have allowed our government to step all over the rule of law and to seemingly bankrupt this country. I don't live in a mobile home but being an Ohio State Buckeye fan i have taken some heat on my favorite football team….

Why do values have to be Christian values? Though I was brought up Presbyterian, I am offended that the word Christian is so predominant. Other religions have sound moral values as well. I have met many people who do not espouse one particular religion or another, but who have been brought up to be (and are) kind, compassionate, honest, generous, and all the other characteristics that accompany sound values. We need to get religion out of politics, and vote for people based on their past behavior and actions, and their experience and capabilities to get the job done!!

Didn't he want to cast all people with AIDS into the sea?

I hope Romney beats him to the "I had a vision" speech that seem to come up at convenient times for these kinds of bozos or is it bozoes….

Bob, nobody made Romney give a speech about Mormonism, he choose to do that himself. Suggesting that someone should be "made" to give a speech about their religion is absolutely against the idea of freedom of religion that everyone is clamoring about. Also, you're analysis of the view of women is absurd. The line of scripture goes something like women shall submit to their husband and in turn men shall submit to their wives (I don't know the exact wording off the top of my head). It is not derogatory to women, it is a statement that in marriage you should devote yourself fully to your spouse. It is the basis of a strong marriage. It is also not limited to baptists, it's a line in the bible. I'm Catholic and it was read at my wedding. Women have no reason to be worried about Mike Huckabee. Please if you want to support a different candidate do so, but it is unnecessary to lie about other candidates.

Can anyone really explain to me how a pastor talking to his friend and parishioners outside of the church any different than a union leader talking to his members about a presidential candidate? Everyone is getting hung up just because it involves religion, which is foolish. In this instance we are talking about a group of people who have the same concerns, just like a union is a group of people with the same concerns. The only thing that would be of any issue is if they campaigned from the pulpit. The only reason that would even be an issue in the first place is because of our screwy tax code. Because of our current tax code of lobbying exemptions and incentives preachers have to be careful what they say to who, where, and when because they have to fear tax implications. It is not exactly separation of church and state if the churches are controlled via the tax code now is it?

Nate, the difference is that Barack Obama hasn't run his campaign as an African American, asking for the Black vote. He hasn't stooped that low.

Oh, one more thing. This morning I received a push-poll call from the Huckabee camp. Not very ethical.

Huckabee is emerging as the distilled essence of a theocratic politician. He spent last Sunday at The Crossing, a church in Windham, NH set up by YouthStorm, exhorting the 350 there to enlist as "soldiers for Christ". A few months ago, Huckabee met with YouthStorm at their "Prayer Furnace" to discuss his candidacy. YouthStorm is not a primarily religious movement, despite all outward appearances, and it is not benign love-thy-neighbor stuff. It is overtly political, with a laser focus on spiritual battle with satanic forces by combating the evils of secularism, abortion, and sexuality of any kind, except within heterosexual marriage. Its end goal is to change the United States into a Christian theocratic state. Huckabee is the first major presidential candidate to so openly embrace this sort of militaristic evangelism and hobnob with the extreme foot soldiers of the evangelical right. I am not surprised that Huckabee refuses to discuss his ten years of ministry and all texts of his sermons seem to have vanished. I suspect his past ministry might indicate why he is emerging as a Soldier for Christ rather than a candidate for President of the secular United States. Electing him would, in my opinion, be the short route to the Republic of Gilead.

OK America,

Imagine if Mitt Romney approached the leadership of the LDS church and asked them to "mobilize in every way possible every single friend you know". This would be huge news and guaranteed the media would use it in a negative manner towards Romney. Mitt doesn't have the liberty of gathering 100 of the leadership of his church to get them to help him win the election. Why? Because as is claimed on the official LDS website (LDS.org) "The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians." The LDS church is also very clear on policy with regards to separation of church and state.

The LDS Church does not:

***Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.
***Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
***Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
***Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.

That's why I respect this Romney guy. He doesn't have his church trying to get him votes. And he doesn't have anyone famous endorsing him. I believe him to be a man of integrity, someone who can stand on his own merrits, and if given the chance will prove himself worthy as President of the United States.

As for Huckabee, He can meet with 1000 pastors, it still will not get him elected.

YAY Gov. HUCKABEE! JUST WHAT THIS COUNTRY DESPRATLY NEEDS - TOGETHER WE WILL WIN THE WHITE HOUSE AND SAVE THE HOLY LANDS FOR JESUS! AMEN

In essence, Jesus prefers Mike Huckabee as president. You are not a Christian if you don't vote for Mike Huckabee. Mobilizing ministers…the business of Church, what a joke?

Anyone that knows anything about the founding of the United States understands that our country was founded by brave, strong people with solid Christian principals. They came to and founded this country lookinh for the freedom and right to practice all types of religion. It's about time we get back to our roots of our founding fathers. Go Huckabee in Michigan!

WOW!!! These comments are interesting. So Huckabee cannot seek the support of Christians??? Hmm, that means it is wrong for Obama to seek the support of African Americans, it's wrong for Hillary Clinton to seek the support of women, it's wrong for McCain to seek the support of military and ex-military servicemen, it's wrong for Ron Paul to seek the support of doctors, and it's wrong for Giuliani to seek the support of his NY common folk. Heck, maybe it's wrong for Republicans to seek the support of Republicans!!! Give me a break. And get educated! Separation of Church and State prevents the government from interferring with religious groups internal affairs and from enforcing a religion on citizens. A Christian is FREE to seek the support of anyone he desires, INCLUDING other Christians. Obama as President doesn't mean he'll force us all to be African American, Hillary for president doesn't mean we'll all be forced to wear skirts, and Huckabee for president doesn't mean he'll force us all to be Christians. Get real!!! And feel free to stop viewing things with the rationalization of a 3rd grader. Thanks!

P.S. I implore you to watch the responses to this, they'll probably resemble a 3rd graders shallow perspectives.

Ryan, religious leaders asking for others to support a certain candidate is no more against the law than you or I asking someone to support a candidate, simple as that. Preachers are people too, don't try to take away their rights to say what they want about who they want just because of their job, THAT would be against the constitution. Per your request for response to the attacks it would be incorrect to state Huckabee doesn't have answers I will provide links to his response to attacks made against him.

Club growth tax attack: http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=TruthSquad.ClubGrow
In short Huckabee inherited a hurting school system, desroyed roads, and a budget shortfall when he took office as a Lt Gov replaing a Gov that was on his way to jail. Since Arkansas is a state where deficits cannot exist and the budget must be balanced taxation was not exactly a choice to avoid. Huckabee manaed to fix the problems, maintain a balanced budget, and cut costs in other areas to create a surplus that could be returned to the voters. He cut 94 taxes. The taxes he did instate had support from the republican members of the legislature. Every tax was for a specific beneficial purpose rather than pork spending like the club for growth likes to have vi their earmarks and lobbying.

Fred's immigration attacks:
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=TruthSquad.Thompson
In short he didn't give in sate tuition to illegals. There is a scholarship program in Arkansas that rewards students who have been in the Arkansas school systems and excelled. Huckabee had this also cover kids that were children of illegal immigrants ONLY if they were in the process of becoming a citizen and met all of the requirements of the scholarship. Being that these kids were on the path to becoming citizens and they have proven they have the intelligence and drive to be successful isn't it better they can become successful productive members of society? Would you rather turn them out to the street. Look illegal immigration needs to be stopped, but it was the parents in this case that violated the law (and they should be punished), but we have never in this country punished children for their parent's wrongdoings. Why is this situation any different?

The Wayne Dumond case:
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=TruthSquad.DumondRes
In short he was paroled not pardoned. Parole bords parole people not Govs. The arole board that paroled Dumond was not appointed by Huckabee. Dumond was not even commuted to the parole board by Huckabee, he was commuted by Jim Guy Tucker. Huckabee denied the commutation for pardon. The parole board members that now claim Huckabee pressured them to release him only took that stance 6 years after the fact during an eection year and after they had lost their $75,000 a year jobs due to Huckabee appointing new parole board members.

This has been just a sampling of the responses to attacks, for the rest please go to http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=TruthSquad.Home. As you can see Huckabee has responded to all of these issues. Fred recently took advantage of spewing these attacks in a debate knowing there was not suffician time to explain the ludicrous of it all. He also took advantage of the fact that people won't go look to verify these accusations, and will simply believe they are true because "he didn't defend every attack in his 30 second rebuttal." Don't let yourself be taken advantage of.

Shmuckster, you make me sick!!! It's no wonder you were investigated twelve times for ethics violations. This is just one more example of how slick you really are and how you'll do anything for your own political gain and personal aggrandizement.

For the record, this will never happen for Romney because the LDS church puts out a statement during every single major election that (1) the church does not endorse any particular candidate or party and (2) that meeting houses and member directories are not to be used in any way for political purposes. No candidate or party is ever discussed from the pulpit. Sure, you may find a couple of people here and there talking in between meetings, but discussing politics at a church meeting is practically taboo.

Huck knows his record is extremely liberal and full of poor judgment so he goes back to his tried and true methods of pandering to religious folk to vote for him simply because he's religious. Weak, very weak. I can only pray that Michigan can see past this garbage and truly vote for the candidate with the best record, the candidate most capable of really solving some of the larger problems facing this country. Based on records, there is without question no better candidate than Mitt Romney to take on and actually solve the major problems facing this country–strengthening the economy, addressing the falling dollar, balancing the budget, addressing the trade imbalance, providing access to affordable health insurance, and improving education.

Michigan, please, vote the issues not who is most likeable. This isn't a race for senior class president. It's also not a time to payback McCain for his service to his country. We tried that once already with Bob Dole and it got us Bill Clinton. Remember? McCain has served his country. Yes, but when the man can only point to one or two accomplishments in 24 years, 24 years!!!, that's far too little. Mitt accomplished far more in 4 years as governor of MA that McCain has ever done in 24 years.

Let's elect a *proven* leader with a real resume of results. VOTE ROMNEY

Huck has no depth or credibility, so he has to plead for guilt votes from the pulpit. Geriatric McCain only appeals to the Democrats because he's such a liberal. They both will die a short death if they come up against Obama or Hillary. Any true conservative talk show host or journalist is so completely disgusted with both of them.

The only candidates with the smarts and capacity to take this country in the right direction are

Romney/Thompson '08 !!! Unbeatable!!

Why doesn't this Anti-Christian contingency work to ban the Constitution?
It does refer to Our Creator as the source of our rights?

Until you folks repeal that…I'd say Huckabee is within our God-Given rights!

MICHIGAN - PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE VOTING FOR ANOTHER VETERAN JUST TO SAY THANK YOU (REMEMBER WHERE BOB DOLE GOT US?)

The Real McCain Record
Obstacles in the way of conservative support.

By Mark R. Levin (National Review)

There’s a reason some of John McCain's conservative supporters avoid discussing his record. They want to talk about his personal story, his position on the surge, his supposed electability. But whenever the rest of his career comes up, the knee-jerk reply is to characterize the inquiries as attacks.

The McCain domestic record is a disaster. To say he fought spending, most particularly earmarks, is to nibble around the edges and miss the heart of the matter. For starters, consider:

McCain-Feingold — the most brazen frontal assault on political speech since Buckley v. Valeo.

McCain-Kennedy — the most far-reaching amnesty program in American history.

McCain-Lieberman — the most onerous and intrusive attack on American industry — through reporting, regulating, and taxing authority of greenhouse gases — in American history.

McCain-Kennedy-Edwards — the biggest boon to the trial bar since the tobacco settlement, under the rubric of a patients’ bill of rights.

McCain-Reimportantion of Drugs — a significant blow to pharmaceutical research and development, not to mention consumer safety (hey Rudy, pay attention, see link).

And McCain’s stated opposition to the Bush 2001 and 2003 tax cuts was largely based on socialist, class-warfare rhetoric — tax cuts for the rich, not for the middle class. The public record is full of these statements. Today, he recalls only his insistence on accompanying spending cuts.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, McCain was consistently hostile to American enterprise, from media and pharmaceutical companies to technology and energy companies.

McCain also led the Gang of 14, which prevented the Republican leadership in the Senate from mounting a rule change that would have ended the systematic use (actual and threatened) of the filibuster to prevent majority approval of judicial nominees.

Hey Nate, I agree. In fact if Romney used his business contacts and influence to speak to groups of CEO's, Presidents and owners of businesses, I think it would be fine for him to give Huckaburp's wink wink nudge nudge request to "speak to their friends", when they know he means talk to their employees and basically tell them to vote Romney.

Right?

I mean, all he's doing is reaching out to business leaders.

Right?

Well said, Aaron

If Mike Huckabee had made racial comments about a leading black candidate or sexist comments about a leading female candidate, he would have been castigated by the media. How he was able to launch his surge with religious bigotry is dumbfounding to me. It seems that everyone is oblivious to the obvious.

In the event that Mitt Romney does not win the nomination, then history will show that Mike Huckabee pulled off the political crime of the century. It was Mike Huckabee that raised religious issues among Iowa evangelicals by comments toward Romney's religion. As Huckabee's tactics started to show in the Iowa polls, Mitt responded with his "Faith in America" speech. Romney was then forced to work on damage control. Romney's efforts in Iowa paid off and he continued to rise back in the polls but the damage gave him a second in a state he held firmly until Huckabee's misuse of the public forum.

McCain saw his window and concentrated on New Hampshire while Romney was being unduly "occupied" in Iowa. Romney was forced to aggressively address things detracting from what his positive messaging had been and did so famously. Romney then relied on comparison ads to contrast differences. These ads were constantly referred to as "attack ads" by Huckabee, who continually portrayed him as "desperate", and "attacking". Now Huckabee is able to capitalize on such tactics. Because of his use of the majority evangelical state of Iowa and with the ignorance/bias of the mainstream media toward the Mormon religion, he flew under the radar of a nation that has worked since Lincoln to erase such bigotry.

A majority of the nation now sees only that Mike Huckabee won the Iowa caucus and that John McCain won New Hampshire but knows little of this back story. I think it is important to present it. Observe for yourself and pass these perspectives along. We need a TRUE man for change and a proven record of turning things around in the oval office.

Mike Huckabee is truly tearing the Reagan coalition apart. Please endorse Mitt Romney.

Huckabee attack on other religions was discgracefull, we all prey to the GOD

Mark,

Good job proving your ignorance. Mitt didn't inherit his dad's money. His dad worked his way to the top of American motors. Mitt went to college and his dad helped him out. That never happens in america. What a silver spoon? He graduated in the top of his class. When he went to grad school, he didn't have any financial support from his parents. He graduated in the top of both Harvard business and Harvard Law. After grad school he moved on to Bain & Company, which is one of the most prestigeous consulting businesses in the US. He left Bain & Company and started Bain Capital, still no help from dad. Bain Capital was an enourmously successful venture capital group. Then, Bain & Company was doing poorly and asked him back so he turned it around and it became a great company again. So his dad gave hime a few thousand for school and then he made hundreds of millions on his own. Yep sounds to me it all happened because his dad set it up and he did nothing. Good think you support Huckabee who has what PROFESSIONAL expertice?

This man is 'crossing' the line, and jumping over it. OMG. How can anyone vote for such a huge bigot that emposes his believes on others, he's done this over and over already and he is not our president. Keep your spritiual views to yourself Hucke, we the people of all faiths don't want or need you to tell us to 'find our soul' as you have stated on record. That is not your job. Mind your own busiess and life, and keep out of ours. You are another preacher natzi and want us to follow your orders. NO THANK YOU!!

Nate,

Wow, that was painfully one of the least informed statements ever. Look up a scripture in the Bible if you are going to use it. I don't mind Huckabee using it, because it is a perfectly acceptable statement if one understands it. It doesn't tell men to submit to their wives, at least not in those words. It states that women should sumbit to their husbands AS(great big conditional) husbands submit themselves to the Lord.

That aside, his wasn't a case of Huckabee talking to his friends who happened to be pastors. This was a case of Huckabee talking to ministers in order to get them to use their influence as ministers over their congregations to vote for him. That is the issue.

Aaron,

You are partially right. If anyone thinks that a President has the power to enforce his or her religion on the populous then they don't understand what powers the President does and doesn't have.
As for your comments about seeking the Christian vote, ALL of the candidates are Christian. And yes, people would be up in arms if Obama met with many prominent African Americans and asked them to use all of their influence to get votes for Obama because he was BLACK. Hillary has never said, though she might believe, I don't know, that women should vote for her because she is a woman. Obama has never done the same because he is African-American. The usually say vote for me because blah, blah, blah. Huckabee is different. He is asking ministers to tell their congegrations to vote for him because he is "one who has come from us". If he said vote for someone who is pro-life and anti-gay marriage (I substituted anti-gay marriage for anti-gay, because i hope people on the blog really don't Hate gay people) and I hope the person YOU personally choose is me, that would have been fine.

It's so interesting to read that people get their morals from Christianity. As if people wouldn't steal or kill each other without the bible telling them not to do that. I'd say one would be a very rotten person if the only reason one doesn't kill or steal is because they are afraid of what will happen to them in the "after life".

I have no problem with people who want to gather in churches and profess their faith in a god…..much like I have no problem with people talking about vampires or leprechauns or unicorns. However, I do have a problem when those people leave the churches and begin to push their beliefs onto other people and attempt to include their beliefs in the laws and policies of my country.

The people who support Huckabee are the same who support the teaching of creation science and intelligent design in schools. They are the same who want to overturn Rowe Vs. Wade, who want to prevent our children from learning about safe sex, who think homosexuality is a sin and who fear anything outside of their narrow realm of understanding.

I cannot in good conscience allow this country to be further degredated by such and anachronistic and unreasonable way of thinking. The evangelical populous is truly behind the times and as intolerant as they come. Furthermore, they do nothing to abolish their ignorance and continue to revel in the indoctrination they have received. Is it any wonder that this way of thinking has the highest occurances in the poor and undereducated communities?

Huckabee is a step backwards. His supporters will watch this country march on without them. They can only resist truth and reason for so long before the very fire feeding their myths is extinguished forever.

The completely narrow minded view of Huckebee shows me he truly is NOT an itelligent man. This is america, and there are many faiths! So why do I have to hear so much about this as a politican? Shouldn't he only be speaking about the issues, not his ideas of morals for us as people?. The last time I checked, people with a lot of skeltons in their closets should not be judging other people's lives and personal views. Huckebee's closet is overflowing with issues, two happen to be bigotry and hypocite items. I am not a liberal either.

Mark, Great comments about Romney. Are you sure your name isn't Mike? Huckabee? These are the exact type of comments from Huckabee, making up lies and not facing up to the facts. Romney may have come from a family with money, but to try to imply his father's connections had anything to do with the following successes is hopefully just ignorant:
- One of the most successful businessmen of our day helping improve hundreds of American businesses
- He turned around the 2002 Olympics
- Put an incredible system for health care in Massachussetts among many other impressive achievements as a Republican Governor working in a Democratic state.
That's what Romney did with his relatively privileged background. Perhaps if Romney didn't have such a privileged background, he may have stole furniture from his Governer's mansion, like Huckabee did, but who's to judge? Fortunately, Christ is our judge, not me (or any of you). We are trying to identify the best candidate that will lead our nation in the right direction and Huckabee doesn't stack up to Romney, Giuliani or McCain. Huckabee is incredibly likeable but I don't want him as President.

Using church lists to contact people for polictical reasons is unethical. Talking to church members in other social settings about politics is not and being appreciative of the support of good Christians is not.

hmmm I think Obama seeking the support of African Americans is different than Huckabee urging ministers *as a group* to rally the forces. I appreciate the point, but it's not quite strong enough. Unions are more tied to economics/business–appropriate for politics. Likewise for the military. These issues belong in a discussion about politics and political views. Religion doesn't, though it may form the basis for a certain view.

Where are the political issues being discussed when it comes to Huckabee, as I think Ike pointed out?

However, if Huckabee were to address a large group of people that included ministers who were not there in their "minister" capacity, then I think it's a different story. He can seek the support of anyone, as Aaron points out.

So I'll repeat my point. Get religion out of politics.

I'm with Bob, though. Women should be worried about this guy–and Romney too.
I think John Irving's "Cider House Rules" should be required reading for everyone.

Hey Aaron.

Huckabee should be seeking support from people that want him to follow the constitution. See how you've been duped into the class/group mindset. Race, religion,creed or sex need not be addressed at all. See?

Pay attention now, lest you get completely brainwashed.

I am a Mormon. And believe me, if Mitt Romney would have pulled this stunt in a Mormon (LDS) church, the whole U.S. government would have swooped down on the church, along with the media and taxed the church into bankruptcy. What a sickening Protestant double standard in this country. I just want to puke.
I have Evangelical friends who tell me they are extremely embarassed by this two-faced anti-Mormon bigot. Thank God, not all Evangelicals are not like this worm.

P.S.
I may have to take back my statement. If Huckabee wasn't in the pulpit, I don't think my point is valid. That's where it's problematic. Outside, though, he can do whatever he wants, just like everyone else…….

lol this guy is talking out of both sides of his mouth. just like every other politician. what else is new? color me not surprised.

President Bush has it where Churches can recieve Federal funds for their work.
I would hope that it is asked during one of their debates which Republican would sign to have this continued.
Talk about business putting people out of work, the federal government put the lowest paid group of individuals with a master degress out on the street.

If you don't vote for Huckabee, you don't love Jesus. A vote for Huckabee is a vote for the son of god. You don't want to vote against god, do you? I mean, who wouldn't want a book of literary fiction dictating every move of our government and our lives? I hope he enforces all the good verses. Soon we'll all be cutting off our right hands and plucking out our eyes. I can hardly wait.

I think many people don't know what religion is. They seem to think that they can be non-religious. That they can have some sort of belief system or worldview based on pure facts which have no roots in faith. This is a silly way to think. Even mathematics (which of any science should be the one just taken to be true) is based on unprovable axioms which are just taken to be true, and then built up from there.

It's true, America is not a Theocracy. If that's what you're afraid it would be come if Huckabee became president, then please think a little harder. America is not an Atheocracy either. The founding fathers put in a seperation of church and state so that the government would not establish a state faith. It is not so that faith did not play apart in government. Because faith is the starting point of everything you know. Christian, Morman, Atheists….they all start their worldviews with faith, it's just a question of 'faith in what?'

Here we go! Just when I actually thought Huck might be actually working toward a consensus, he calls the ministers to task! What is the difference of them calling from the phone list, rolodex, or speaking from the pulpit? He is asking them to use their role as a minister to bolster voters.. Call the IRS! It's time to put the SEPARATION between church and state.. Incidentally, I am a christian. However, the church is no place to campaign for office.

"LIKE MINDED". THE CODE WORD FOR "PRAISE THE LORD AND STOP THE MORMON". Is that not correct Huckabigot?
Hey Huck, were you, or were you not a keynote speaker at an anti-Mormon rally in Salt Lake City in 1998, under the auspices of the Southern Baptist Convention?
This is the same spirit of religious intolerence that was aimed toward the Mormons back in the 1800s, when they were forced from their homes and fled to Utah. Who is next Huck, the Jews?

Rita V,
if YOU knew anything about our founding fathers you would realize the reason we all left Europe to begin with is because we were escaping religious oppression that called itself Christian also.The founding fathers had no intentions of recreating that again - hence the separation of Church and State.
There are actually history books that go back farther than the beginings of this county - I suggest you read one.
Huckabee is a snake oil salesman.. But I hope he gets the Republican nomination because Clinton or Obama or Edwards will mop the floor with him next Nov. and that would be good thing.
Hillary 08
God Bless this Great country.
May we always continue to learn from our mistakes.

This country does not need another messianic president unto whom God speaks. Period.

Romney is nothing more than George Bush-east. Another rich former gov who will say anything to get elected. Would we have ever heard of Romney if he did not have a zillion dollars to spend on advertising.

I hope Huchabee win the nomination. That will finish the job G W Bush started, puting an end to the Republican party

Hillary is a woman calling for a women to unite behind her. Obama (with Oprey) is calling for African Americans to unite behind him. Huckabee is not wrong to ask the religious to unite behind him.

Let us put Romney and the "Limbaugh Liberals" behind us and unite the real Republican party!

maby god will tell huck to elimate the middle east? or pass laws to make anyway but his ilegal because his way is gods way!!! hey maby he,ll preach some from the oval office, this is just what we need after a bush administration, a jesus freak running the country, i would imagine in his acceptence speech that he will give thanks to the powers of above for his chance to run the country,

dear god in heaven thanks for letting me president, ill try and keep the earmarks to the church to a reasonable amount, and with your help ill show these muslims that there is only one god and your it, amen president huck

Here we go again with the Minister thing. Even if I wasn't afraid of him turning us into a theocracy, huckabee never gets his facts straight. he has no business even being in the race, but the christian right ,who it seems could care less what is good for the country as long as the Prez is one of them, continues to prop him up with their votes.

Where would Huckabee be if he didin't have the evangelical vote? Nowhere! Mitt Romney doesn't need the Mormon vote because he has proven that he respects all religions. He has spoken in many different religious venues as governor. One of the tenants that Mr. Romney believes, I understand, is that Mormons believe in letting anyone believe in what they want to believe. From LDS. org its says, ‘We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." Romney's religion sounds a lot more tolerant of other religions then Huckabee. This is what American needs; a leader to binds us rather then divides us.

Thanks Dale Davis of Glendora, CA, YOUR comment below wins the BIGOT AWARD!!! Please come to church today to claim your reward!!!

" January 13, 2008 2:02 am ET

If you don't vote for Huckabee, you don't love Jesus. A vote for Huckabee is a vote for the son of god. You don't want to vote against god, do you?"

I LOVE IT!!!!! It is this exact mentality that scares the liver out of me. With people like Dale Davis behind Huckabee, we ought to be shaking in our boots. Dale - go back to your TV evangelist, put your hands on the TV and "FEEEEEEEEL the love, brotha…."

Guess what Dale. I DO love Jesus. And Huckabee would be the LAST person on earth I'd vote for. He is the most scary of all the candidates across the board…. He would use his great sword of 'religion' to divide asunder our country - like he's done to the Republican Party. Just say no to the Huckabigot……

What do you mean you are going to get religion involved in your religious beliefs involved…you already have in the campaign you lying idiot, you try to get the "religious people" behind all the time, evangilacals all the time, quit lying you hill billy Hick.

You will lie all through the primaries. Wake up America, Hickupbee has got to go, the republican party doesn't even like him! they want him out!

Bill g. salem IN, your just a Hickupbee goon who doesn't know what your talking about, stay in your state and watch t.v. huh.

Go Mitt!

PF, I just checked he was speaking at a dinner at the Birch Run Expo center. Being that he was speaking at an event not in a church to a group of supporters that included ministers and regular old folk, I think everyone's accusations are just absurd. The founding father's real concern about freedom of religion by the way had more to do with government controlling religion. It appears everyone wants to trounce on the freedoms our founding fathers fought so hard for while waving the "division of church and state" flag to excuse their hatred and unfair bias. While freedom of religion and freedom of SPEECH can be found in our constitution this statement of division of church and state that is thrown about is not. A minister supporting Huckabee is no different than Oprah supporting Obama. They both may hold a place of high status in some people's minds and their stances may be given more serious consideration, but they are still people with rights and freedoms.

Mike is just drawing votes from the people that share his beliefs and values just as he is drawing votes from those that support his stand on Iraq, health care and taxes. Why pick on him for doing what a Candidate is supposed to do IT"SSSSS NUTS!!!!
Go Huckabee, the rational vote is with you…

Hey "Read a Book" -

Looks like you need to read THE book…THE BIBLE!

If the after life that Christians believe in is real, then we have EVERYTHING to gain…eternal life.

If it is not real, then we have NOTHING to lose.

Your choice not to believe seems to be the risk. So go ahead and keep living with your views……eternal life will march on with out you!

I looked at the site posted by FOR OBAMA SUPPORTERS about Obama's church and its values. It is a bit disconcerting, but I found it interesting.

One difference is that Obama doesn't wear it on his sleeve and push it onto others, and make it part of his platform. That's how it's supposed to be.

Agree with the poster that it's odd we haven't seen anything about this………….. yet. I'm sure it will come out though, when the going gets tougher.

Angela —

How correct you are. People believe that our country was founded on Judeo Christian principles, but there is no evidence of this and much evidence to support our founding fathers as made up many atheists and agnostics and separatists. I wish people would actually read history instead of simply believing what they were told to believe.

To Chris in Kalamazoo —

You premise is false. Atheist don't begin with faith. Faith is a belief that is not based on proof. Atheists don't believe what cannot be proven. According to the Bible, Faith is the essence of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. I don't peg truth on what i hope is true. I don't use mythological literature to fill in the gaps of what is not yet understood. It's ludicrous to do so. Christians are no different than Muslims, Jews, or the ancient pantheistic Romans. All believed they owned the truth because they were told they did by someone else.

It's funny that if someone wrote or told us that the earth were a cube, we'd probably laugh and ask them to prove it. When someone tells us about god/jesus/mohammed/etc. we shy away of questioning because we give religion some type of radical immunity from the scrutiny that we place on other subjects. It's time to strip away that immunity. If someone is going to make radical assertions, they have the burden of proof upon THEM, not the other way around. The inability to disprove there is a god also does not make it likely that there IS a god. I can no more disprove the invisible flying unicorn in the clouds than I could disprove god. If I believed there were an invisible flying unicorn in the sky, the burden would be upon ME to prove it, especially if I wanted everyone to live their lives by its teachings.

People like to label Atheists as arrogant because they require proof and don't blindly accept popular religious dogma. What I believe is arrogant is to believe there is some god who is YOUR own personal savior, listens to YOUR prayers, and is taking YOU to heaven. This is the height of arrogance. It's divisive and delusional. Delusional is what a Christian would call a Muslim, or an ancient Roman, or even someone who believed in the Harry Potter books in present day. What makes them any different?

Anthony

Anthony,

You are a very sad person. My prayers are with you bother! You really need them!

Read THE BOOK how do you know eternal life won't march on without you? Are you so sure you have a ticket into heaven just because you identify yourself as a Christian?