Huckabee calls Florida "very important part of our overall strategy"

We are fortunate to present Gov. Mike Huckabee’s personal Memorial Weekend interview with the “Florida for Huckabee” Blog. Read on to hear the governor’s enthusiasm about his campaign in Florida and his thoughts on Presidency IV – a two-day, mini-convention planned for October 20-21, 2007 in Orlando and sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida. The event will showcase all participating Presidential Candidates and culminate in a live, nationwide debate broadcast on Fox News. CLICK HERE for more information about Presidency IV.

Florida for Huckabee: Gov. Huckabee, what effect do you see Florida’s earlier primary having on the presidential election process?

Gov. Mike Huckabee: Personally, it means I get to spend more time in the Sunshine State, which I always enjoy. As the first big state to vote, Florida will inevitably play a significant role. I think it makes the candidates already inclined to downplay Iowa and New Hampshire, because of the February 5 Super Primary, even more likely to do so. They think their money can buy them a "Get Out of Retail Politics Free" card. But I'm convinced that if a candidate with the right message for Floridians also does well in Iowa and New Hampshire, he will have a powerful momentum coming into Florida that will trump the money others may spend here. If we see consistent results in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Florida, I think it supports the view that the Super Primary will finish it off. If the waters are muddy after Iowa, New Hampshire, and Florida, the Super Primary may not be decisive.

Florida for Huckabee: How does your campaign plan to leverage Florida in your overall strategy for victory?

Gov. Mike Huckabee: I expect to do very well in Iowa and New Hampshire and ride that momentum into Florida. Then I expect to do really well here and, having shown strength in a big state, carry that into the Super Primary. So Florida will be a very important part of our overall strategy. As an authentic, consistent conservative with executive experience, I have a message that resonates with Florida's Republicans. We need to take our party back to basics to move our country forward -- and that means strengthening our military; restoring faith in government; making government smaller and more efficient; reducing and reforming taxes; and pursuing policies that are family friendly. My impeccable record on the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, Second Amendment rights, and our friends in Israel gives Floridians confidence that I'm the leader they can trust and count on - what I'm telling them today is what I was saying five, ten, fifteen years ago. My crisis management experience rescuing 75,000 Katrina victims gives Floridians comfort that I'll be there for them when the hurricanes come, and I'll have an absolutely first-rate FEMA director, who will be a Cabinet-level official reporting directly to me.

Florida for Huckabee: What is your opinion of Presidency IV sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida and scheduled for Oct. 20-21, 2007? Do you plan to participate and how can your supporters in Florida get involved?

Gov. Mike Huckabee: I think Presidency IV will be a wonderful opportunity to see old friends and make some new ones, and I'm looking forward to debating in Florida. So, yes, I absolutely plan to participate. My supporters can get involved by applying to attend Presidency IV as "ambassadors" from their county. They need to apply by noon on June 15 either online at www.rpof.org, or by fax to 850-681-0184, or by mail to the Republican Party of Florida, 420 E. Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Y'all come!

Thank you Governor Huckabee for sharing your time and vision with “Florida for Huckabee”! We appreciate your leadership and please keep up the great work!