A LOOK AT THE SECOND TIER

IS HUCKABEE ELECTABLE?
By Jim Martin

When you think of a Presidential Candidate from Arkansas former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee is probably not the first name that comes to mind, but Michael Dale "Mike" Huckabee, born on August 24, 1955 in Hope, Arkansas, is in the early running for the Republican nomination even if he is considered in the “second tier.”

Huckabee is seen by many has having a common sense moderate conservative stand on issues. He opposes abortion rights and is against same-sex marriage, which has appeal with the conservative Republican base. Before being Governor of Arkansas he was a Baptist minister. He did well in the August Iowa straw poll (second place) and did very well at the Family Research Council's Values Voters Summit among those who were present for the event. Polls indicate he is gaining ground in Iowa, the place of the first caucus.

Huckabee supports the Bush-backed immigration plan which provides a path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants. He also believes the Republican plan to deport illegal immigrants is basically “unworkable.”

On Iraq he has given qualified support for the Bush Iraq policy, saying the President has access to military and diplomatic information that is not made available to the public. He is also against congressional resolutions that express opposition to the president's plan to surge the number of American troops in Iraq and proposals to cut funding for the war.

When it comes to Social Security the former Governor supports the Bush plan allowing workers to divert some Social Security payroll taxes into private retirement accounts.

When it comes to taxes Huckabee talks of a “FairTax’ plan. The “FairTax” plan is a comprehensive proposal that replaces all federal income and payroll based taxes with an integrated approach including a progressive national retail sales tax, a prebate to ensure no American pays federal taxes on spending up to the poverty level, dollar-for-dollar federal revenue neutrality, and, through companion legislation, the repeal of the 16th Amendment. It abolishes all federal personal and corporate income taxes, gift, estate, capital gains, alternative minimum, Social Security, Medicare, and self-employment taxes and replaces them with one simple, visible, federal retail sales tax administered primarily by existing state sales tax authorities. The “FairTax” taxes us only on what we choose to spend on new goods or services, not on what we earn. The “FairTax” is a fair, efficient, transparent, and intelligent solution to the frustration and inequity of our current tax system.

Basically a “FairTax” taxes you on what you spend, not what you earn. Retirees can keep their entire pension checks. It reimburses people for the tax on purchases of basic necessities like food and medication. It closes all tax loopholes and brings fairness to taxation, and it does away with the IRS.

Huckabee is no stranger to governing and is a sure and credible player in the race to the nations highest office. As Governor of Arkansas his work on education and health in the state brought him national attention. In 2005, TIME magazine named him one of the five best governors in the U.S. His personal loss of weight, 110 pounds, was applauded around the nation as a positive example of determination and leadership.

At this point he may not have the big money, or the big press, but the word is getting out about former governor Mike Huckabee. He has run a state, and has real conservative credentials for those that are looking for a true conservative. He can win and is electable. On October 22, 2007, he was endorsed by Chuck Norris, TV’s “Walker Texas Ranger.” Now folks, what more could you want!