Huckabee Backs Three More Florida Republicans: Dennis Ross, Karen Diebel and Mike Horner

Sources close to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, the 2008 presidential candidate who has moved to Florida and has become active backing Republicans across the Sunshine State, said he will back three more Florida Republicans today.

The sources said Huckabee will back former state Rep. Dennis Ross, the Republican front-runner to replace U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam who is vacating his seat in Congress to run for commissioner of agriculture and consumer services; and Karen Diebel who is locked in a tight Republican primary battle to take on U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas. Huckabee is also endorsing Rep. Mike Horner, R-Kissimmee, for re-election in the 79th district.

These are an interesting series of endorsements. Backing Ross was a no-brainer; Republican leaders across the state and nation have flocked to back him. Backing Diebel is much riskier. She is engaged in a fierce battle with former Ruth's Chris CEO Craig Miller and Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Orlando, for the GOP nomination. While Horner is only a freshman, he is an up-and-comer and already holds the deputy whip position in the House.

Regardless, Huckabee has backed three conservatives -- and revealed once again that he is going to be a factor in the political life of his new state.