If you want to vote for Mike Huckabee in the Republican Primary on January 29th, you must be a registered Republican. If you are registered as a Democrat, Independent, or have no party affiliation, you must register at your county Supervisor of Elections office by Monday, December 31, 2007.
Here is an article on this issue from the Orlando Sentinel:
If you aren't registered to vote but want to participate in what could be pivotal primaries for both parties on Jan. 29, only one day is left.
Monday at 5 p.m. is the deadline for people to register to vote in the Democratic and Republican primaries….
The deadline is the same for people who want to switch political parties.
To vote, a person must be 18 years old by Jan. 29 and be a U.S. citizen.
Several options are available:
*Voter registration may be completed at any Supervisor of Elections branch office, public library or drivers license office. The drivers license office is most typically used by people who are otherwise getting licenses.That may be done until 5 p.m. Monday.
*An application may be obtained on the state Division of Elections Web site or the Osceola Supervisor of Elections Web site. It will be accepted if it's postmarked by Monday, said Osceola elections officials.
According to the state, "the date the completed application is postmarked or hand delivered to a drivers license office, a voter registration agency, an armed forces recruitment office, the Division of Elections, or the office of any Supervisor of Elections in the state will be your registration date."
*Applications also are available at many other offices such as city halls. But those aren't official registration locations, so the completed form must be mailed or taken into a supervisor's office by the 5 p.m. Monday deadline.
The same process applies for new registrations and people switching parties.The entire form must be filled out for party switches, and a box indicating the switch should be checked, officials said.
People who miss the deadline will get registered, but not for the Jan. 29 election.
Full story…
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Huckabee Coverage in Florida this week
Romney and Huckabee supporters aren't scared by GiulianiSun Sentinel
December 28, 2007
Henry Bayard, the Broward volunteer coordinator for Mike Huckabee and former president of the Davie-Cooper City Republican Club, said he believes Huckabee will draw support beyond the conservative Christian bloc that likes the former Baptist minister. "He's got broad appeal. It's not just evangelicals," Bayard said. "I think he has a broad base of support down here and I think he's going to shock a lot of people when it comes to Florida.”
Full story…
Giuliani, Huckabee battle in Florida
Miami Herald
December 28, 2007
Huckabee has been closing in on Giuliani in Florida.
The Baptist minister has been gaining support from evangelical Christians concerned that Giuliani would be liberal on social issues, such as abortion, and uneasy about Romney's Mormon faith. Huckabee, who raised close to $400,000 after two days of fundraising in Florida, was in Orlando on Thursday after a fundraiser Monday in Miami.
Huckabee supporter Patsy Carpenter of Satellite Beach arrived at the Orlando Executive Airport send-off in a Honda with the message ''Faith, family, freedom'' inscribed neatly across the back windshield just above the candidate's e-mail address.
Carpenter, a retired first-grade teacher, married mother of two and grandmother of three, said she had never donated to a candidate before she made a small contribution to Huckabee.
Full story…
GOP presidential hopeful Huckabee rising in popularity
Palm Beach Post
December 27, 2007
Fundraisers in Miami, the Orlando area and Destin gleaned a much-needed $350,000, campaign aides said.
The tour of the state comes as the former Arkansas governor's poll numbers are rising, with some polls showing him in first place or tied for first among the crowded GOP field that includes Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson.
"If we had as much money, as many consultants, as many employees, as many headquarters, as many focus groups, as many TV ads as some of these other guys, we would be as far behind them as they are behind us," Huckabee chided.
Full story…
GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee visits Orlando to raise cash, pick up endorsements
Orlando Sentinel
December 28, 2007
Huckabee's rapid rise in state and national polls has come at a time when challengers such as former Tennessee U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney have faltered.Romney lost at least one Lake County campaign co-chairman Thursday when former state Sen. Dick Langley tore a Romney sticker off his chest for the television cameras, replacing it with one for Huckabee."I wanted a candidate who stood where I stood on the issues," Langley said later. "And I couldn't figure out where Mitt stood."
Full story…
Miami-Dade Co-Chairs Named
State Representative David Rivera and State Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla were named co-chairmen for Miami-Dade for the Mike Huckabee campaign on Wednesday."These two legislators will have an important role in our Florida efforts as we campaign throughout the state," Huckabee Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman said. "They will provide an invaluable asset for our Florida campaign and Speaker Rubio by leading the charge in Miami-Dade County ."
Full release…
Mike Huckabee in Orlando
From the Orlando Sentinel:
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee picked up campaign cash and endorsements in Orlando on Thursday, riding a surge in the polls that may signal hope for him in the Sunshine State and problems for Republican favorite Rudy Giuliani.
As he has done in Iowa, Huckabee is shaking up Florida Republican politics.
Giuliani, who plans to stump in Orlando today, once held a double-digit lead in Florida, past polls showed. But recent likely-voter surveys indicate the socially conservative Huckabee, thanks in part to evangelical Christian voters, is drawing even with the more moderate former New York City mayor.
"If Huckabee can surge ahead of Giuliani in Florida, that spells the end of Giuliani," said University of Florida political-science professor Daniel A. Smith, noting how important the state is for the GOP's current front-runner. "For Giuliani, it has always been his to lose."
In his Orlando speech, Huckabee spent several minutes condemning the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto but quickly shifted to the domestic issues that underlie his poll numbers.
He talked of his support for a flat tax to replace the existing income tax, and his opposition to abortion rights. And he proudly noted his outsider status, pointing out he never made the "anointed list" drafted by party insiders.
"Our campaign has been one that's confounded the pundits," Huckabee said -- and predicted a first-place finish in Florida's Jan. 29 primary.
The stop was part of a two-day sprint from one end of the state to the other.Huckabee spent the day after Christmas in South Florida, capitalizing on political and fundraising support from his Florida campaign co-chair, state House Speaker Marco Rubio, and his political allies, state Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, and Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami.
Thursday, Huckabee attended two private fundraisers, one in Winter Park and the other in Windermere. Those who came, said to be business executives and social conservatives, were expected to help Huckabee raise about $350,000 during his trip.
Among them were such crucial supporters as Steve Strang, a Christian publisher from Lake Mary, and Mathew Staver, founder and chairman of the Liberty Counsel, an Orlando religious legal-advocacy group. Both are reaching out to a network of pastors and Christian voters around the state.
Senate Majority Leader Dan Webster of Winter Garden, another state co-chairman, helped arrange the rally at Orlando Executive Airport, where a crowd of 150 or so turned out. Some were self-identified Christian evangelicals, sporting T-shirts that said "Home schoolers for Huckabee" and car windows painted: "Faith, Family and Freedom."
Looking over the size of the crowd, Webster added, "The polls helped."
Huckabee then flew to Destin before heading back to Iowa. He'll remain there through Jan. 3, when the state holds its caucuses.
Huckabee's rapid rise in state and national polls has come at a time when challengers such as former Tennessee U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney have faltered.
Romney lost at least one Lake County campaign co-chairman Thursday when former state Sen. Dick Langley tore a Romney sticker off his chest for the television cameras, replacing it with one for Huckabee."I wanted a candidate who stood where I stood on the issues," Langley said later. "And I couldn't figure out where Mitt stood."
University of Florida political-science professor Ken Wald, who studies the impact of religion on politics, said many Christian voters liked Huckabee but had wanted to wait and see if he was viable. "They've effectively been without a candidate," Wald said.
Ken and Caron Majors, who attend First Baptist Church in Orlando, said Huckabee -- an ordained minister -- speaks their language. "He shares our values," Caron Majors said.
Webster said Huckabee plans to open and staff a state headquarters in Orlando next month. But it might be some time before any television ads appear, he added, because launching a Florida ad campaign is so expensive.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Huckabee campaigns in Florida
From the AP:
Presidential contender Mike Huckabee arrived in Florida on Wednesday but was planning on spending less than a day in the state before returning to Iowa, which hosts the leadoff nominating caucuses next week.
Huckabee spoke briefly to reporters Wednesday evening after getting off a plane from Iowa and heading to a private fundraiser for about 60 people at a South Florida home. He said fundraising events the day after Christmas are hard to find.
The former Arkansas governor spent Wednesday morning hunting pheasant in Iowa and said he'd be back in that state by Thursday afternoon.
"We'll be out of Iowa less than 24 hours, and most of that will be nighttime," he said. "While people are sleeping we won't be."
In less than ten minutes speaking to reporters, Huckabee was asked about the importance of Cuban voters to his campaign and talked about ads running against him in Iowa. He was introduced in Spanish and English and joked, "I hope he said nice things there in the Spanish translation.
"He then talked of his support for the U.S. embargo against Cuba and courting Cuban voters.
"They not only make up a very significant portion of the Florida vote, but I think it's also a group of voters that are highly energized and very focused, very politically savvy, and historically have had an extraordinarily high voter turnout," he said. "Obviously we're very interested in making sure that we build good relationships and that we do everything possible to try to win that vote."
He added he plans to be back in Florida again soon.
"I'll trade my winter coat for some Bermuda shorts and sandals and look forward to coming," he said. "As soon as we get through Iowa and New Hampshire, obviously, and then, you know, South Carolina, we're going to be marshaling all of our forces here to Florida."
On Wednesday, Huckabee also picked up the support of Florida State Senate Majority Whip Mike Haridopolos.
He already has the support of Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio, who is Cuban-American. Rubio, along with State Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster, serves as Florida State Co-Chair for the Huckabee campaign.
Huckabee has spent less time in Florida than other Republican candidates, however, like former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Giuliani's campaign in particular has seen Florida's early primary as the key to his campaign success, hoping to use it to build momentum for Feb. 5, when nearly half the states vote.
"We knew that we didn't have the resources early on to try to play in all the states, and our strategy was different. It was to do well in the early states, come to Florida with momentum, and that's what we're hoping to be able to do, and I think we will," Huckabee said.
Presidential contender Mike Huckabee arrived in Florida on Wednesday but was planning on spending less than a day in the state before returning to Iowa, which hosts the leadoff nominating caucuses next week.
Huckabee spoke briefly to reporters Wednesday evening after getting off a plane from Iowa and heading to a private fundraiser for about 60 people at a South Florida home. He said fundraising events the day after Christmas are hard to find.
The former Arkansas governor spent Wednesday morning hunting pheasant in Iowa and said he'd be back in that state by Thursday afternoon.
"We'll be out of Iowa less than 24 hours, and most of that will be nighttime," he said. "While people are sleeping we won't be."
In less than ten minutes speaking to reporters, Huckabee was asked about the importance of Cuban voters to his campaign and talked about ads running against him in Iowa. He was introduced in Spanish and English and joked, "I hope he said nice things there in the Spanish translation.
"He then talked of his support for the U.S. embargo against Cuba and courting Cuban voters.
"They not only make up a very significant portion of the Florida vote, but I think it's also a group of voters that are highly energized and very focused, very politically savvy, and historically have had an extraordinarily high voter turnout," he said. "Obviously we're very interested in making sure that we build good relationships and that we do everything possible to try to win that vote."
He added he plans to be back in Florida again soon.
"I'll trade my winter coat for some Bermuda shorts and sandals and look forward to coming," he said. "As soon as we get through Iowa and New Hampshire, obviously, and then, you know, South Carolina, we're going to be marshaling all of our forces here to Florida."
On Wednesday, Huckabee also picked up the support of Florida State Senate Majority Whip Mike Haridopolos.
He already has the support of Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio, who is Cuban-American. Rubio, along with State Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster, serves as Florida State Co-Chair for the Huckabee campaign.
Huckabee has spent less time in Florida than other Republican candidates, however, like former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Giuliani's campaign in particular has seen Florida's early primary as the key to his campaign success, hoping to use it to build momentum for Feb. 5, when nearly half the states vote.
"We knew that we didn't have the resources early on to try to play in all the states, and our strategy was different. It was to do well in the early states, come to Florida with momentum, and that's what we're hoping to be able to do, and I think we will," Huckabee said.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Haridopolos Endorses Huckabee
Gov. Mike Huckabee received the endorsement of State Senator Mike Haridopolos tonight at the fundraiser event in Miami. Here is the press release from the campaign:
Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee will receive the endorsement of Florida State Senator Mike Haridopolos this evening while attending a fundraising event in Miami.
"Senator Haridopolos is a great legislator for the state of Florida and I value his work as a long-time advocate for tax reform," Governor Huckabee said. "He is a great addition to my Florida team and I am thrilled to receive his endorsement as I look forward to campaigning throughout the state."
Senator Haridopolos was elected to the Senate in 2003, and re-elected in 2006. He currently serves as Majority Whip and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Tax. Haridopolos also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000-2003 and is a Co-Founder of the legislatures Freedom Caucus, which led the effort against tax increases proposed during the 2002 session.
"I support Mike Huckabee because of his positive, optimistic message," Senator Haridopolos said. "He, better than any candidate on either side, is listening to the voter and projecting a message that communicates with all Americans."
Governor Huckabee has been ramping up efforts in Florida leading up to the states primary on January 29. He recently announced the endorsements of Florida Speaker of the House Marco Rubio and State Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster, both of whom now serve as Florida State Co-Chairs for the Huckabee campaign.
Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee will receive the endorsement of Florida State Senator Mike Haridopolos this evening while attending a fundraising event in Miami.
"Senator Haridopolos is a great legislator for the state of Florida and I value his work as a long-time advocate for tax reform," Governor Huckabee said. "He is a great addition to my Florida team and I am thrilled to receive his endorsement as I look forward to campaigning throughout the state."
Senator Haridopolos was elected to the Senate in 2003, and re-elected in 2006. He currently serves as Majority Whip and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Tax. Haridopolos also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000-2003 and is a Co-Founder of the legislatures Freedom Caucus, which led the effort against tax increases proposed during the 2002 session.
"I support Mike Huckabee because of his positive, optimistic message," Senator Haridopolos said. "He, better than any candidate on either side, is listening to the voter and projecting a message that communicates with all Americans."
Governor Huckabee has been ramping up efforts in Florida leading up to the states primary on January 29. He recently announced the endorsements of Florida Speaker of the House Marco Rubio and State Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster, both of whom now serve as Florida State Co-Chairs for the Huckabee campaign.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Orlando Rally with Gov. Huckabee Dec 27th
Come show your support for Gov. Huckabee in Orlando on Thursday, Dec. 27 at 11AM (It is suggested that you arrive by 10AM). The Huckabee for President Rally will take place at Showalter Hangar at the Orlando Executive Airport located at 400 Herndon Avenue.
CLICK HERE for directions to this location.
CLICK HERE for Gov. Huckabee’s full schedule of Florida events on December 26-27.
CLICK HERE for directions to this location.
CLICK HERE for Gov. Huckabee’s full schedule of Florida events on December 26-27.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Huckabee in Miami December 26th
The Honorable Marco Rubio
Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives
with
The Honorable Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives
with
The Honorable Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Florida State Senator
and
The Honorable David Rivera
Florida State Representative
Cordially invite you to a
fundraising reception for
Governor Mike Huckabee
Republican Candidate for
President of the United States
Wednesday, December 26th, 2007
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
At the home of Carlos and Michelle Pastor
13770 Old Cutler Road
Miami, Florida
Maximum Contribution: $2,300.00 per person
(Personal or Federal PAC contributions only)
Please make checks payable to: Huckabee for President
Please RSVP to: 786-258-2222
Florida State Representative
Cordially invite you to a
fundraising reception for
Governor Mike Huckabee
Republican Candidate for
President of the United States
Wednesday, December 26th, 2007
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
At the home of Carlos and Michelle Pastor
13770 Old Cutler Road
Miami, Florida
Maximum Contribution: $2,300.00 per person
(Personal or Federal PAC contributions only)
Please make checks payable to: Huckabee for President
Please RSVP to: 786-258-2222
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Webster, Rubio FL Co-Chairmen
Mike Huckabee Announces Co-chairmen of Florida Leadership CommitteeFrom Yahoo News:
Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has named Florida Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster and Speaker of the House Marco Rubio co- chairmen of his Florida campaign organization.
"Senator Webster and Speaker Rubio are incredible assets to my Florida campaign," Huckabee said. "Both are esteemed legislators and have been exceptional leaders for the people of Florida."
Webster is a former state House speaker who has become a nationally respected conservative politician during his 28 years in the legislature.
Rubio was elected Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives in November 2006. His book, 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future, was compiled after Rubio traveled around Florida to gather ideas from citizens. This was done through what Rubio calls "Idearaisers."
Both these prominent legislators recently announced they were endorsing Governor Huckabee.
"Mike Huckabee is our best chance to have a Reagan Republican as our nominee," Rubio said. "For those of us who want the Republican Party to continue to be the party of life, of traditional family values and of limited government, Mike Huckabee is the best choice."
The announcement comes on the heels of the latest Rasmussen Florida poll on December 14, which had Huckabee in first place with 27 percent of the vote compared to Mitt Romney's 23 percent and Rudy Giuliani's 19 percent.
"I am honored to serve as co-chairman for Governor Huckabee's Florida Presidential campaign," Webster said. "Governor Huckabee is a principled, conservative leader who has proven he has the leadership qualities to be the next president of the United States. I intend to work diligently in the days and months ahead to ensure Governor Huckabee is elected as our nation's next president."
The Florida presidential primary election is January 29.
Mike Huckabee Statement on Cuba
I am committed to being a staunch ally in the cause of a free and democratic Cuba, where Fidel Castro’s communist totalitarian dictatorship has oppressed the Cuban people for nearly five decades.
The United States must continue to lead the world in condemning the human rights abuses inflicted on the Cuban people and isolating Castro’s tyrannical regime both economically and diplomatically.
As President, I will oppose any efforts to lift trade and travel restrictions on the Cuban dictatorship and will veto any legislation seeking to lift these restrictions until three conditions are met: scheduling of free, fair and internationally-supervised multi-party elections, freeing of all political prisoners, and legalization of all political activity and civil liberties.
For 48 years, Cuba’s communist dictatorship has been a destabilizing force in our hemisphere. Fidel Castro has supported and promoted violent revolution as well as terrorist activity. Cuba remains on the U.S. Department of State’s list of nations that sponsor terrorism. Castro’s brand of tyranny is now evident in the dictatorial actions of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez. In sum, the demise of the Castro regime would be a welcomed development for our hemisphere and for the Cuban people.
United States policy toward Cuba is clear. The 1996 Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act (Libertad Act) provides a road map for America’s goal of expediting a transition to democracy in Cuba and assisting the Cuban people in a post-Castro democratic transition. As President, I will enforce and implement all provisions of U.S. law governing policy toward Cuba including the Libertad Act. I will continue President Bush’s policy of pursuing indictments against any Cuban officials, including Raul Castro, responsible for crimes against U.S. citizens. I will further support efforts to bring to justice any American fugitive criminals receiving safe haven in Cuba. The Castro dictatorship is an outlaw regime. As President, my administration will treat it as such.
Source: http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=935
The United States must continue to lead the world in condemning the human rights abuses inflicted on the Cuban people and isolating Castro’s tyrannical regime both economically and diplomatically.
As President, I will oppose any efforts to lift trade and travel restrictions on the Cuban dictatorship and will veto any legislation seeking to lift these restrictions until three conditions are met: scheduling of free, fair and internationally-supervised multi-party elections, freeing of all political prisoners, and legalization of all political activity and civil liberties.
For 48 years, Cuba’s communist dictatorship has been a destabilizing force in our hemisphere. Fidel Castro has supported and promoted violent revolution as well as terrorist activity. Cuba remains on the U.S. Department of State’s list of nations that sponsor terrorism. Castro’s brand of tyranny is now evident in the dictatorial actions of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez. In sum, the demise of the Castro regime would be a welcomed development for our hemisphere and for the Cuban people.
United States policy toward Cuba is clear. The 1996 Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act (Libertad Act) provides a road map for America’s goal of expediting a transition to democracy in Cuba and assisting the Cuban people in a post-Castro democratic transition. As President, I will enforce and implement all provisions of U.S. law governing policy toward Cuba including the Libertad Act. I will continue President Bush’s policy of pursuing indictments against any Cuban officials, including Raul Castro, responsible for crimes against U.S. citizens. I will further support efforts to bring to justice any American fugitive criminals receiving safe haven in Cuba. The Castro dictatorship is an outlaw regime. As President, my administration will treat it as such.
Source: http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=935
Florida polls show Huckabee surge
“Three Florida polls in the past week put Huckabee in first or second place…”From the Miami Herald:
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's breakneck rise in the national polls has reached Florida, prodding a fledgling band of supporters to throw together a ground game in the nation's fourth-largest state.
Three Florida polls in the past week put Huckabee in first or second place, jockeying with longtime front-runner Rudy Giuliani. That's a stunning turn of events for a candidate who ranked near the bottom just last month and has invested little time and no money in the state.
A strong showing by Huckabee in the Jan. 29 primary could upend Giuliani, who's counting on a rout in Florida to carry him through other large states voting a week later.
Full story…
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Recent Video of Mike Huckabee
Speaker Marco Rubio and State Senator Mike Haridopolos:
New video from a supporter
Iowa Victory Speech
Huckabee on Homeschooling, Education and Teachers:
Mike Huckabee on CNN:
New video from a supporter
Iowa Victory Speech
Huckabee on Homeschooling, Education and Teachers:
Mike Huckabee on CNN:
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Orlando Supporters Meet the Press
Orlando’s Mike Huckabee supporters were featured by Orlando’s FOX news outlet:On Sunday, dozens of supporters for presidential candidate Mike Huckabee gathered at Delaney park in Orlando to pass out signs and bumper stickers. It is their hope that they will get more people "on board" to support the Republican candidate and former Arkansas governor, Mike Huckabee.
“For Mike, this is how he's done what he's done. Basically the “Meet-up Network” has about five thousand people that have signed up to volunteer grassroots efforts for the governor,” said Huckabee supporter Brenda Janssen.
Full story…
Huckabee's Support Triples Among Conservatives
Since two weeks ago, Giuliani is down 3, Huckabee is up 6, Romney is up 5, Fred Thompson is down 6 and John McCain is flat.
From Survey USA:
In a Republican Primary in Florida for President of the United States today, 12/17/07, six weeks to the vote, Rudolph Giuliani finishes 1st at 29%, Mike Huckabee is 2nd at 24%, and Mitt Romney is 3rd at 20%, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for WFLA-TV in Tampa and WKRG-TV in Pensacola-Mobile. Compared to an identical SurveyUSA poll released two weeks ago, on 12/04/07, Giuliani is down 3, Huckabee is up 6, Romney is up 5, Fred Thompson is down 6 and John McCain is flat.
Giuliani's entire campaign strategy is predicated on a 1st-Place showing in Florida. Among Conservative Republicans, Huckabee's support has tripled over the past 6 weeks, from 11% on 11/06/07, when Huckabee tied for 4th place, to 32% today, when Huckabee is ahead of all challengers. Today, Huckabee leads in NW Florida and is tied with Giuliani in NE and Central Florida. Giuliani leads slightly in SW Florida and leads convincingly in SE Florida. Among voters age 50+, Huckabee, Giuliani and Romney are in a 3-way tie. Among all FL GOP Primary voters, Fred Thompson has fallen from 22% on 11/06/07 to 8% today. John McCain has finished 4th or 5th in all 4 SurveyUSA FL tracking polls to date.
Full report…
From Survey USA:
In a Republican Primary in Florida for President of the United States today, 12/17/07, six weeks to the vote, Rudolph Giuliani finishes 1st at 29%, Mike Huckabee is 2nd at 24%, and Mitt Romney is 3rd at 20%, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for WFLA-TV in Tampa and WKRG-TV in Pensacola-Mobile. Compared to an identical SurveyUSA poll released two weeks ago, on 12/04/07, Giuliani is down 3, Huckabee is up 6, Romney is up 5, Fred Thompson is down 6 and John McCain is flat.
Giuliani's entire campaign strategy is predicated on a 1st-Place showing in Florida. Among Conservative Republicans, Huckabee's support has tripled over the past 6 weeks, from 11% on 11/06/07, when Huckabee tied for 4th place, to 32% today, when Huckabee is ahead of all challengers. Today, Huckabee leads in NW Florida and is tied with Giuliani in NE and Central Florida. Giuliani leads slightly in SW Florida and leads convincingly in SE Florida. Among voters age 50+, Huckabee, Giuliani and Romney are in a 3-way tie. Among all FL GOP Primary voters, Fred Thompson has fallen from 22% on 11/06/07 to 8% today. John McCain has finished 4th or 5th in all 4 SurveyUSA FL tracking polls to date.
Full report…
Monday, December 17, 2007
What Really Matters…
A new television ad titled "What Really Matters" was released in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina today. It has received heavy media attention for its message. Check it out HERE.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Huckabee Supporters Gather in Tampa
From the St. Petersburg Times:They were old and young - a trio of college students arrived just in time for the Bang Bang Shrimp - men and women, mostly newcomers to political activism, from as far away as Bradenton.
"The great thing is all these people came on their own," said Eric Rathburn, a 28-year-old civil engineer from Tampa, his shirt bearing an "I like Mike" button. "I don't know them from Adam. As they say, it's a Huckaboom!"
Rathburn, who organized the meeting via the Internet, expected a dozen people. Instead, 25 jammed a private room in the back of the restaurant on Henderson Boulevard. Bumper stickers and buttons dotted the white tablecloth.
Rathburn's online volunteer corps has more than doubled, to about 90, in the past two weeks. Similar groups have sprung up all over Florida, which holds its primary Jan. 29. Huckabee has virtually no campaign infrastructure, so the grass roots effort is critical.
"What matters is I've found someone I can feel good about when I pull the lever. That's Mike Huckabee. He's the total package."
Full story HERE.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Huckabee First in Florida
Mike Huckabee now leads in the Sunshine State Primary with 27% of the vote.
Rasmussen Reports Florida Poll:
Mike Huckabee 27%
Mitt Romney 23%
Rudy Giuliani 19%
Fred Thompson 9%
John McCain 6%
From the report:
Those figures reflect a stunning change in the race since November when Rasmussen Reports polling found Giuliani on top with 27% followed by Romney at 19% and Thompson at 16%. Since then, Huckabee has gained 18 percentage points and Romney picked up four points. Giuliani is down eight, Thompson is down seven, and McCain is down four.
Huckabee has shaken up the race for the White House with an amazing surge over the past month. He now leads in Iowa and South Carolina. He is tied for the lead in Michigan and consistently near the top nationally in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.
Read the full story HERE.
Rasmussen Reports Florida Poll:
Mike Huckabee 27%
Mitt Romney 23%
Rudy Giuliani 19%
Fred Thompson 9%
John McCain 6%
From the report:
Those figures reflect a stunning change in the race since November when Rasmussen Reports polling found Giuliani on top with 27% followed by Romney at 19% and Thompson at 16%. Since then, Huckabee has gained 18 percentage points and Romney picked up four points. Giuliani is down eight, Thompson is down seven, and McCain is down four.
Huckabee has shaken up the race for the White House with an amazing surge over the past month. He now leads in Iowa and South Carolina. He is tied for the lead in Michigan and consistently near the top nationally in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.
Read the full story HERE.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Huckabee Opens Florida Offices
Orlando and Miami will be the locations for Mike Huckabee's first two campaign offices in Florida. Here is the report from the St. Pete Times Blog:Mike Huckabee is getting some Florida digs.
The heretofore cash-starved Republican will open a statewide office in downtown Orlando and one in Miami, according to two of his top supporters, Sen. Dan Webster and Rep. David Rivera.
The Orlando office has not been selected but will house a state coordinator and marshal a swelling volunteer force. Rivera said the Miami shop, at 8th Street and 57th Avenue, is "picked out, cleaned out, ready to go."
They dismissed talk that Huckabee cannot harness his sudden popularity because of little organization in key states. "Think of where he's gotten without infrastructure," Webster said. "Some people do top down; he's done bottom up. And it's really the best way to do a campaign -- it's just nobody believed you could do it in a presidential race. He's going to have the people, he's going to have the staff and he's going to get the money."
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Make a Contribution Wednesday to keep the "Huckabus" Rolling
You can help Gov. Huckabee in a big way today by making a contribution to his campaign and help keep the “Huckabus” rolling!
CLICK HERE to make a contribution right now.
This is the crucial make or break time for the Huckabee Campaign regarding finances. If they have the money needed to buy TV ad time in the early states, then the surge will continue.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Speaker Marco Rubio Endorses Huckabee
Below is the full press release from the campaign. Here are links to news coverage of today’s endorsements from Speaker Rubio and Representative David Rivera.
Huck FL Nod – MSNBC
Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio added his name to endorsers jumping to support the Huckabee campaign.
NBC6.net South Florida: Florida House Speaker Backs Huckabee For President
The highest-ranking Cuban-American in state government made an endorsement in the presidential election on Monday. Florida's House Speaker Marco Rubio introduced former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as his pick for president.
Palm Beach Post: Rubio Endorses Huckabee
Rubio said he is backing Huckabee because of his sincerity and because of the former Arkansas governor's staunch anti-abortion stance. Rubio, a conservative Republican, is popular among Cuban Americans in South Florida whose stands include opposition to abortion and gay marriage as well as a hard-line approach to the Castro brothers Fidel and Raul regime in Cuba.
Miami Herald: Florida Speaker Rubio Endorses Huckabee
Coming one day after the Republican field participated in the first presidential debate on Spanish-language television, the endorsement was a coup for a candidate dismissed as an afterthought just two months ago.
Press Release from Campagin: Two Key Florida Endorsements Full text:
Miami, FL – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee announced two key Florida Hispanic endorsements during a news conference in Miami today: House Speaker Marco Rubio and State Rep. David Rivera.
The announcement follows on the heels of the endorsement by another prominent Florida legislator, state Majority Leader Daniel Webster, who voiced his support for the governor on November 28.
Speaker Rubio is Florida's first Cuban-American state House Speaker.
"I'm honored to have the support from Speaker Rubio because we share the same conservative values," Huckabee said. "Everyone running for president wanted his endorsement. I'm glad he chose to join our efforts to seek the Republican nomination.
Rubio began serving Florida's 111th House District in 2000 and has served as a City Commissioner from West Miami. He is a conservative Republican who shares Huckabee's views on pro-life and strong families.
"For those of us who consider ourselves to be Reagan conservatives, Mike Huckabee is our best chance to win the nomination," Speaker Rubio said. "People are looking for genuineness and sincerity in politics. He has those qualities as well as the positive leadership skills needed to run our country."
Huckabee also received an endorsement from State Rep. David Rivera who serves Florida's 112th district, which includes Miami and parts of Naples and Fort Lauderdale. Rivera is chairman of the state House Rules Committee and is former director of the Hispanic Outreach for the Republican Party of Florida.
"Representative Rivera is a great leader and role model for Cuban-American citizens in Florida," Huckabee said. "I'm proud to have the backing from such a respected member of the Florida House."
"Governor Huckabee understands the importance of freedom and democracy for all people throughout our hemisphere and our world," Rivera said. "He is deserving of the support of Cuban- Americans like myself because he has articulated the most pro-active and bold policy geared toward hastening the demise of the Castro regime and promoting the cause of freedom and democracy in Cuba."
Senator Daniel Webster, a Republican member of the Florida state Senate since 1999 who has served as Majority Leader since 2006, has also endorsed Huckabee. Webster, who previously served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1981 to 1998, officially endorsed Huckabee earlier this year.
"I am honored to serve as co-chair for Governor Huckabee's Florida Presidential campaign. Governor Huckabee is a principled, conservative leader who has proven he has the leadership qualities to be the next president of the United States. As governor, he demonstrated the ability to tackle tough issues and find solutions. I intend to work diligently in the days and months ahead to ensure Governor Huckabee is elected as our nation's next President," said Webster.
Huck FL Nod – MSNBC
Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio added his name to endorsers jumping to support the Huckabee campaign.
NBC6.net South Florida: Florida House Speaker Backs Huckabee For President
The highest-ranking Cuban-American in state government made an endorsement in the presidential election on Monday. Florida's House Speaker Marco Rubio introduced former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as his pick for president.
Palm Beach Post: Rubio Endorses Huckabee
Rubio said he is backing Huckabee because of his sincerity and because of the former Arkansas governor's staunch anti-abortion stance. Rubio, a conservative Republican, is popular among Cuban Americans in South Florida whose stands include opposition to abortion and gay marriage as well as a hard-line approach to the Castro brothers Fidel and Raul regime in Cuba.
Miami Herald: Florida Speaker Rubio Endorses Huckabee
Coming one day after the Republican field participated in the first presidential debate on Spanish-language television, the endorsement was a coup for a candidate dismissed as an afterthought just two months ago.
Press Release from Campagin: Two Key Florida Endorsements Full text:
Miami, FL – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee announced two key Florida Hispanic endorsements during a news conference in Miami today: House Speaker Marco Rubio and State Rep. David Rivera.
The announcement follows on the heels of the endorsement by another prominent Florida legislator, state Majority Leader Daniel Webster, who voiced his support for the governor on November 28.
Speaker Rubio is Florida's first Cuban-American state House Speaker.
"I'm honored to have the support from Speaker Rubio because we share the same conservative values," Huckabee said. "Everyone running for president wanted his endorsement. I'm glad he chose to join our efforts to seek the Republican nomination.
Rubio began serving Florida's 111th House District in 2000 and has served as a City Commissioner from West Miami. He is a conservative Republican who shares Huckabee's views on pro-life and strong families.
"For those of us who consider ourselves to be Reagan conservatives, Mike Huckabee is our best chance to win the nomination," Speaker Rubio said. "People are looking for genuineness and sincerity in politics. He has those qualities as well as the positive leadership skills needed to run our country."
Huckabee also received an endorsement from State Rep. David Rivera who serves Florida's 112th district, which includes Miami and parts of Naples and Fort Lauderdale. Rivera is chairman of the state House Rules Committee and is former director of the Hispanic Outreach for the Republican Party of Florida.
"Representative Rivera is a great leader and role model for Cuban-American citizens in Florida," Huckabee said. "I'm proud to have the backing from such a respected member of the Florida House."
"Governor Huckabee understands the importance of freedom and democracy for all people throughout our hemisphere and our world," Rivera said. "He is deserving of the support of Cuban- Americans like myself because he has articulated the most pro-active and bold policy geared toward hastening the demise of the Castro regime and promoting the cause of freedom and democracy in Cuba."
Senator Daniel Webster, a Republican member of the Florida state Senate since 1999 who has served as Majority Leader since 2006, has also endorsed Huckabee. Webster, who previously served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1981 to 1998, officially endorsed Huckabee earlier this year.
"I am honored to serve as co-chair for Governor Huckabee's Florida Presidential campaign. Governor Huckabee is a principled, conservative leader who has proven he has the leadership qualities to be the next president of the United States. As governor, he demonstrated the ability to tackle tough issues and find solutions. I intend to work diligently in the days and months ahead to ensure Governor Huckabee is elected as our nation's next President," said Webster.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Marc Ambinder: Rubio to endorse Huckabee
From Marc Ambinder's Blog on TheAtlantic.com:
Republicans in Florida confirm that ex-AR Gov. Mike Huckabee will be endorsed Monday by Marco Rubio, the charismatic speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
Rubio, who has gubernatorial and national ambitions, was the driving force behind the move to change Florida's primary date to Jan. 29.
Republicans in Florida confirm that ex-AR Gov. Mike Huckabee will be endorsed Monday by Marco Rubio, the charismatic speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
Rubio, who has gubernatorial and national ambitions, was the driving force behind the move to change Florida's primary date to Jan. 29.
Univision Debate from Miami – Sunday Night
From Multi-Channel News:
Seven Republican presidential hopefuls have confirmed attendance to this Sunday’s Republican Forum hosted by Univision Communications and the University of Miami. The Forum, which will take place Dec. 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center, will be broadcast live on Univision’s television, radio and online platforms.
As of press time, the confirmed Republican candidates were Rudolph Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson. As happened during the Nov. 28 CNN/YouTube Republican debate, immigration is expected to be the hottest topic, more so given the nature of Univision’s mostly immigrant audience.
According to Nielsen’s ratings, Univision’s Sept. 9 Democratic Forum averaged 2.2 million viewers , who tuned in to see seven democratic candidates exchanging views in a sometimes-confusing debate, as the candidates were asked questions in Spanish, which were then translated into English and then translated back into Spanish for Univision’s mostly Spanish-speaking audiences.
The 90-minute Republican Forum will follow the exact same format as the Democratic debate. It will be moderated by Univision’s network news anchors Jorge Ramos and María Elena Salinas, and will be broadcast in primetime on the Univision Network, Radio Cadena Univision and online at Univision.com.
Seven Republican presidential hopefuls have confirmed attendance to this Sunday’s Republican Forum hosted by Univision Communications and the University of Miami. The Forum, which will take place Dec. 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center, will be broadcast live on Univision’s television, radio and online platforms.
As of press time, the confirmed Republican candidates were Rudolph Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson. As happened during the Nov. 28 CNN/YouTube Republican debate, immigration is expected to be the hottest topic, more so given the nature of Univision’s mostly immigrant audience.
According to Nielsen’s ratings, Univision’s Sept. 9 Democratic Forum averaged 2.2 million viewers , who tuned in to see seven democratic candidates exchanging views in a sometimes-confusing debate, as the candidates were asked questions in Spanish, which were then translated into English and then translated back into Spanish for Univision’s mostly Spanish-speaking audiences.
The 90-minute Republican Forum will follow the exact same format as the Democratic debate. It will be moderated by Univision’s network news anchors Jorge Ramos and María Elena Salinas, and will be broadcast in primetime on the Univision Network, Radio Cadena Univision and online at Univision.com.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Huckabee making strides in popularity -- and polls
This week, Huckabee has been on the phone with Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio of Miami, one of the most coveted endorsements in the state.
''For months, Republican leaders across Florida have expressed a strong desire to support Gov. Huckabee if there were even a chance he could win,'' said state Rep. David Rivera of Miami, who is close to Rubio. ``The good thing for Gov. Huckabee is that now these folks are realizing he can actually win this race. I predict a surge of support for him in Florida in the coming weeks.''
Full story...
''For months, Republican leaders across Florida have expressed a strong desire to support Gov. Huckabee if there were even a chance he could win,'' said state Rep. David Rivera of Miami, who is close to Rubio. ``The good thing for Gov. Huckabee is that now these folks are realizing he can actually win this race. I predict a surge of support for him in Florida in the coming weeks.''
Full story...
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Bad News for Romney and Giuliani
During a week that the former “front runners” are in desperate need of a boost, Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani are left staring out the window muttering, “When it rains it pours.”
I can not believe Romney still had illegal immigrants working at his mansion, the day after his lively exchange with Giuliani on this matter during the You-Tube debate. Even Romney admits that this situation is, “disappointing and inexcusable.” Here’s the FOXnews.com report and the AP story.
For Rudy Giuliani, a Pew Research poll found that 63% of Republican voters believe abortion should be mostly or always illegal. And the study found that only about half of the voters nationwide know about Giuliani’s staunch pro-abortion position:
“More Iowa Republicans are aware of Giuliani's abortion position than are GOP voters elsewhere. Two-thirds of likely Republican voters in Iowa (66%) name Giuliani as the candidate who favors a women's right to choose when it comes to abortion. By comparison, only about half of Republican voters nationwide (48%) – as well as 47% in South Carolina and 54% in New Hampshire – identified Giuliani as the pro-choice candidate.”
Gov. Mike Huckabee has a strong plan to stop illegal immigration and is the only consistent Pro-life candidate in the top-tier.
I can not believe Romney still had illegal immigrants working at his mansion, the day after his lively exchange with Giuliani on this matter during the You-Tube debate. Even Romney admits that this situation is, “disappointing and inexcusable.” Here’s the FOXnews.com report and the AP story.
For Rudy Giuliani, a Pew Research poll found that 63% of Republican voters believe abortion should be mostly or always illegal. And the study found that only about half of the voters nationwide know about Giuliani’s staunch pro-abortion position:
“More Iowa Republicans are aware of Giuliani's abortion position than are GOP voters elsewhere. Two-thirds of likely Republican voters in Iowa (66%) name Giuliani as the candidate who favors a women's right to choose when it comes to abortion. By comparison, only about half of Republican voters nationwide (48%) – as well as 47% in South Carolina and 54% in New Hampshire – identified Giuliani as the pro-choice candidate.”
Gov. Mike Huckabee has a strong plan to stop illegal immigration and is the only consistent Pro-life candidate in the top-tier.
2nd Tier in 1st Place
Today’s Rasmussen Poll has Gov. Huckabee tied for 1st in the nation.
Huckabee 18%
Giuliani 18%
McCain 14%
Thompson 13%
Romney 12%
Huckabee 18%
Giuliani 18%
McCain 14%
Thompson 13%
Romney 12%
Romney Supporter: ‘Huckabee…our strongest potential nominee’
This is a great read from Dean Barnett in The Weekly Standard today. Although Barnett admits to supporting Romney he says Huckabee “exudes decency” and “connects with people.” Here are some outtakes:
SO WHAT WOULD a Huckabee nomination mean for the Republican party? First, the good news. Huckabee, as we've all discovered, is quite good at seeking office. As a Romney guy, it pains me to say this, but Huckabee may well be our strongest potential nominee. All of the others have well documented weaknesses as wholesale and retail politicians. Huckabee doesn't.
What's more, Huckabee is the one Republican with a chance of having some crossover appeal to people who are traditionally unlikely to vote for Republicans. As the nominee, he would rebrand a party badly in need of rebranding.
Throughout this campaign, the media and the analysts have underestimated Huckabee. I should know--I've been a guilty of doing so myself. But the time for underestimating him is over.
Right now, the Huckabee campaign is in the best shape. All of the other campaigns would gladly trade places with Huckabee.
Full story…
SO WHAT WOULD a Huckabee nomination mean for the Republican party? First, the good news. Huckabee, as we've all discovered, is quite good at seeking office. As a Romney guy, it pains me to say this, but Huckabee may well be our strongest potential nominee. All of the others have well documented weaknesses as wholesale and retail politicians. Huckabee doesn't.
What's more, Huckabee is the one Republican with a chance of having some crossover appeal to people who are traditionally unlikely to vote for Republicans. As the nominee, he would rebrand a party badly in need of rebranding.
Throughout this campaign, the media and the analysts have underestimated Huckabee. I should know--I've been a guilty of doing so myself. But the time for underestimating him is over.
Right now, the Huckabee campaign is in the best shape. All of the other campaigns would gladly trade places with Huckabee.
Full story…
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Good News from Alabama and Georgia
I am originally from Alabama and I have lots of great friends in Georgia, so I am proud to share these 2 encouraging stories from Florida’s neighbors to the north:
Huckabee Gains in Alabama Poll
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has pushed his way into the small pack of leading Republican presidential contenders favored by Alabamians, according to a new poll.
Huckabee, who recently has gained more national attention with his campaign, was favored by 17 percent of likely Republican voters, up from 9 percent and 2 percent in the October and September polls.
Huckabee is now statistically even with former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, said Gerald W. Johnson, director of the polling center. "Alabamians reflect national trends. We are not some aberration here in the South,"he said.
Full story…
Georgia Right to Life Endorses Huckabee
The Georgia chapter of Right to Life has dismissed their national parent organization’s endorsement of Fred Thompson and opted instead to back Mike Huckabee. Here is some of their press release:
“While we appreciate their leadership and support, we believe that Gov. Huckabee is the strongest and most effective pro-life candidate in this race,” continues Lash. “Passing a Personhood Amendment here in Georgia is our key issue in achieving our objective to extend the protections of the law to all ‘persons’ both born and unborn. Support of a candidate who ushered a similar amendment through his own state speaks volumes to us. Mr. Huckabee’s recent surge in the polls, we believe, demonstrates that he is the pro-life movement’s best hope in defeating pro-abortion candidate Rudy Giuliani. When elected, Mike Huckabee will work hard to establish our goal of restoring respect and effective legal protection to all innocent human beings, from the moment of fertilization until natural death.”
Full story…
Huckabee Gains in Alabama Poll
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has pushed his way into the small pack of leading Republican presidential contenders favored by Alabamians, according to a new poll.
Huckabee, who recently has gained more national attention with his campaign, was favored by 17 percent of likely Republican voters, up from 9 percent and 2 percent in the October and September polls.
Huckabee is now statistically even with former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, said Gerald W. Johnson, director of the polling center. "Alabamians reflect national trends. We are not some aberration here in the South,"he said.
Full story…
Georgia Right to Life Endorses Huckabee
The Georgia chapter of Right to Life has dismissed their national parent organization’s endorsement of Fred Thompson and opted instead to back Mike Huckabee. Here is some of their press release:
“While we appreciate their leadership and support, we believe that Gov. Huckabee is the strongest and most effective pro-life candidate in this race,” continues Lash. “Passing a Personhood Amendment here in Georgia is our key issue in achieving our objective to extend the protections of the law to all ‘persons’ both born and unborn. Support of a candidate who ushered a similar amendment through his own state speaks volumes to us. Mr. Huckabee’s recent surge in the polls, we believe, demonstrates that he is the pro-life movement’s best hope in defeating pro-abortion candidate Rudy Giuliani. When elected, Mike Huckabee will work hard to establish our goal of restoring respect and effective legal protection to all innocent human beings, from the moment of fertilization until natural death.”
Full story…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
