The HuckPAC, A New Book, What's Next for the Huck?

Mike Huckabee has been busy since his stint as a the runner up for the Republican Presidential Nomination from giving speeches to Christian evangelicals to working on a new book scheduled to come out just after the general election. Currently untitled, the book is being published by Penguin publishers and is said to address “how the conservative movement can return to its principles, unify its factions and take back America.” An interesting prospect seeing as it would seem that the strategy of the Christian Right would be heavily influenced by the outcome of the 2008 General Election—especially with the elderly contingency of the Supreme Court Justices.

While campaigning in Arkansas, McCain lunched with Huckabee Friday at a barbeque restaurant and dodged reporters’ inquiries as to whether they would join forces next fall in hopes of obtaining the Oval Office. However, McCain asserted that “Huckabee could help him carry some of the Southern states and be a great asset to his campaign;” a scary thought for anyone left of the Bible belt…or really anyone slightly liberal at all. In his home state, Huckabee seems to be embracing and literally following the old proverb—the enemy of my enemy is my friend—as he is now supporting Davy Carter in a race for a seat in the House. Although Huckabee and his newly created Political Action Committee (the HuckPAC) are formally endorsing Carter because he is “a young, energetic, very passionate lawyer and strong family man who favors lower taxes and more government accountability,” many suspect it is pay back for the negative comments made by Milton, Carter’s major opponent, during the winter when all anyone could say was “Holy Huckabee"(Times Magazine Cover).

What's Going on With Huckabee? A Lot of Different Things...

In the past week Huckabee spoke at Union College and Cornell University, where he received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition, speaking at the "Engage 2008" a conference for clients of HealthMedia, Huckabee urged Clinton to stay in the race for president, if Obama does not receive the necessary delegates before the convention. Moreover, in regards to the presidential election, well that of 2012, this week it is evident that Huckabee may seek the Republican nomination again. As of now however, Huckabee has recently launced the Huck PAC (www.huckabee.com or www.huckpac.com ), the anticipated April 15th change on his website. This PAC will support conservative candidates, including John McCain. The PAC "is founded on the principles that make America great: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Our Republican Party embodies these ideas and is best suited to lead America forward.Huck PAC is committed to helping Republicans regain control of the House and Senate, regain a majority of governorships and elect John McCain as the 44th President of the United States. Huck PAC will support Republican candidates who are passionate advocates for tax reform, a strong national defense, real border security, life, the family, less government and individual liberty. Huck PAC will identify candidates who hold firm to these principles, promote their campaigns and financially support their efforts."

In other non-political news, Huckabee has signed with one of the Hollywood's biggest talent agencies, Creative Artists Agencies…

Huckabee Remains a Strong Supporter of Pro-life Groups Even After He Renounced His Bid for the White House in 2008

When Huckabee dropped out of the race for the Presidency when John McCain finally achieved the necessary number of delegates and ascertained the Republican Nomination, many wondered what would become of the likeable runner-up. Only a month later and he has already begun to adopt a role as a conservative spokesman and plans to give a speech at an upcoming St. Louis pro-life dinner and has recently spent time getting publicity in Michigan and New York. Since John McCain is not a traditional appeal to the Religious Right on social issues, Huckabee has assumed the role of spokesman for social conservatives claiming that McCain, “understands he has to have the strong, conservative values voters. The fabric of a nation is like that of the fabric of a family.” The former Governor of Arkansas has been very committed to promoting the issues that concerned his white house bid supporters such as abortion. In addition to his St. Louis appearance next month, he has already spoken at several parochial schools to emphasize the importance of pro-life sentiment in the Republican Campaign.
Also, interestingly he recently attacked Obama’s expensive plans showing his loyalty in to the party and acknowledging that Presidential candidates are supposed to be above blunt attacks—filling in for the Vice Presidential Nominee who has yet to be determined. What makes his comment surprising is that just a week or two ago with regard to Obama's minister he told America that “I grew up in a very segregated South, and I think that you have to cut some slack.” In his appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe he explained that he did not defend the extremist content of the statements but he understood what it is like to get “caught up in the emotion of the moment” due to his time as a pastor. Moreover, Huckabee has used his new status as a household name as an opportunity for publicity for the several books he has written and has incorporated them into political addresses at places like colleges in upstate New York.