Mike Huckabee States Political Beliefs

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee issued a mini-declaration of political beliefs on Tuesday -- perhaps the core of a platform for another shot at the Republican presidential nomination.

Over the course of my life -- from my first endeavor as a broadcaster, my time as a pastor, a lieutenant governor and for the 10 1/2 years I served as a governor --I have encountered almost every socio-economic issue facing America today, noted Huckabee. Here are a few things I know to be true: I know life begins at conception; I know our economy grows and adds jobs when we have less government and lower taxes; I know social issues are inextricably linked to economic successes; I know traditional marriage isn't just a conservative principle, it's a fundamental building block for our nation; I know real border security isn't just securing our borders, it's enforcing existing laws on employers; and I know a free nation is one that can feed itself, fuel itself and fight for itself.

Understanding and successfully addressing these issues are critical to our nation's future, insisted Huckabee.

Huckabee also weighed in on the passing of Elizabeth Edwards on Tuesday. "Elizabeth Edwards was surrounded by physical and personal pain, but faced her trials with grace and dignity, said Huckabee. She showed a level of courage and class that transcended the divisive politics of the world she was part of, and in the serenity with which she showed us how to die, she showed us how to live. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."