Washington (CNN) - Mike Huckabee will visit six cities in Iowa and five in South Carolina during his upcoming book tour – one more sign that the former Arkansas governor wants to keep his name in the presidential mix for 2012 even as he enjoys the comforts of a lucrative talk show career.
The tour to promote his new book, "A Simple Government," kicks off in Davenport, Iowa on February 27 and will take him to five more cities in the first-in-the-nation caucus state over two days: Dubuque, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Des Moines.
Huckabee will then travel through other states in the Midwest and south before heading to South Carolina for a two-day, five-city swing beginning on March 7. He'll sign books in Florence, Columbia, Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg.
That means Huckabee will be spending more than a quarter of his 40-city tour in two states that play a major role in determining who the GOP presidential nominee will be in 2012.
Huckabee enjoys a robust grassroots following in both states dating back to 2007, when he entered the last presidential race as a long shot but rode a wave of evangelical support to a first-place finish in the Iowa caucuses and a narrow second-place showing in the pivotal South Carolina primary.
Notably, though, the book tour will force Huckabee to skip what could be the first serious gathering of 2012 presidential contenders in Iowa – a March 7 forum in Des Moines hosted by the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition.
The influential Christian group has invited 13 possible candidates to the event, including Huckabee, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
None the invitees have publicly committed to attend, but Steve Scheffler, the coalition's president, told CNN that several candidates have privately said they will participate.
Huckabee's book hits stores on February 22.
From CNN Politics
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He knows not to lie, but he does it daily for the $$$$$$$. Hay Huck - how easy is it for a camel to get thru the eye of a needle????
It appears Huckabee's wife is hiding in the background which is unlike most potential candidates wives, what's up with that picture.
and the republicans really think that moderates are going to vote for someone who doesn't believe in evolution? Just keep painting themselves into the far right corner? They're just going to make the dems job easier. My 95 yr old Dad who always votes republican says he'll stay home if they nominate someone like that.
At this point, Mike looks like a good possibility for the GOP nomination. He's likeable, got a good sense of humor, never criticizes anyone, is respectful of President Obama and understands the national economy and situation better than most politicians on either side of the aisle.
So how many Republican candidates are on the payroll of FOX news?
As a reminder of what Huckabee did for Arkansas as governor, he pardoned over 700 prisoners, more than any other gov, including one that went on to kill 4 policemen in Seattle and raping a woman. He also sold for $1 a state building for Mexican Consultate in Little Rock, arranged free ob/gyn care for Mexican women and free health care for their children through state run medical clinics. The light of day needs to shine on Mr. Huckabee's actions while our governor.
Huckabee's a very nice guy. He should stick to being a TV personality and playing his bass. I don't think America is ready to elect someone who has stated a desire to change our Constitution to conform to biblical law. Thomas Jefferson would roll over in his grave (Franklin, Madison, Paine, and Admas, too) !!!!
It amazing how the close-minded politicians tout a message of how they ramp up in Jim Crow States. Huckabee is out of touch with reality. Much like many other primary contenders he just wants power. He could care less about the success of the country. Afterall he is set for life. A lifetime pension and healthcare. What more could anyone ask for?
He invested in Florida 3 million for the house but hunting for votes in Iowa and South Carolina
Huckebee what a Name is that .you an Palin make a perfecht Couple .both of you are Nuts .Misery loves Company . an your stupid Comercial about health care ,anaff allready .only an idiot would vote for you an Palin
Ms. you know who looking better and better every day.
Prerequisites for RepubliCAN'Ts running for president – WRITE A BOOK – even though you can't even WRITE (Palin)!!!
With Huckabee as President, we will get taking a GIANT step toward holy war ( Christians vs. Muslims )
Why is South Carolina consequential? It's a welfare state with few electoral votes and many fringe people. And, I am a native saying that, not a Yankee who moved down here.