Mike Huckabee announced Saturday that he will not seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, even though polls had consistently ranked the former Arkansas governor as one of the front-runners for the Republican nomination.
The past few months have been times of deep personal reflection, said Huckabee, who moved to Florida after his strong showing in the 2008 primaries. Even though I wasnt actively establishing a campaign organization or seeking financial support to run again, polls have consistently put me at or near the top to be the Republican nominee.
"When possible candidates werediscussed in the media and despite polls that showed me in the lead, my name would often go unmentioned while a candidate barely registering single digits was touted as a front-runner. I found comfort that the nomination would not be made by commentators, columnists, or consultants, but by the rank and file voters in the Republican primary, and their support is strong and has been growing.
Concerns that I had about raising the necessary funds to be competitive or being able to win in states outside the South were answered when signs of strong financial support materialized and when polls showed me winning in states like Pennsylvania, Maine, and even New Jersey. That kind of shattered the notion that I was only a regional candidate or only supported by social conservatives, added Huckabee, who made the announcement on his show on Fox News.
When people asked me what it would take for me to run, I would tell them the same thing -- pray for me to have clarity in the decision, said Huckabee. I dont expect everyone to understand this, but Im a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. That relationship is far more important to me than any political office. For me, the decision is ultimately not a political one, a financial one, or even a practical one -- its a spiritual one.
All the factors say go, but my heart says no. And that is the decision I have made and in it have finally found resolution, added Huckabee. I dont fully understand it myself --but Im sure the pundits will. But I know that under the best of circumstances, being president is a job that takes one to the limit of his or her human capacity. For me, to do it apart from an inner confidence that I was undertaking it with Gods full blessing is unthinkable. I cant know or predict the future, but I know for now my answer is clear and firm. I will not seek the Republican nomination for president this year. I will gladly continue doing what I do and helping others in their campaigns for Congress, governorships, and other positions. Ill certainly give more detail about this decision in due time and especially to those who have faithfully and so sacrificially been part of the process. I know I will deeply disappoint many people I love.
Republicans who have already announced their presidential bids quickly weighed in to praise Huckabee.
"I have long admired Governor Huckabee and his commitment to talking about the critical issues facing America, said former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania. Those of us who believe in the virtues and values of life and family can never have enough allies, and I am grateful to Governor Huckabee for helping to keep those issues front and center. As some in our party seek to form a 'truce' on social issues, I look forward to a dialogue with Governor Huckabee and his supporters to talk of our shared commitment to fight for traditional values and the rights granted to us by our forefathers. Finally, I was particularly moved by his honesty in revealing the reason for his decision. He above all prayerfully sought God's will for his life."
"Mike Huckabee is a friend and colleague, and an important leader within the Republican Party, said former Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota. Mike and I agree our nation is facing big challenges and desperately needs new leadership, and I plan to work hard to earn the support of the millions of Americans who have supported him.
With Huckabee out of the race, former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, who had been battling with the former Arkansas governor at the top of the polls, becomes increasingly established as the Republican front-runner. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and businessman Donald Trump continue to ponder launching campaigns of their own.
Other candidates in the race or still pondering whether to run include former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, Gov. Mitch Daniels of Indiana, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Gov. Jon Huntsman of Utah, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, former Gov. George Pataki of New York, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer, former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore of Alabama, businessman Herman Cain and activist Fred Karger.
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Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (850) 727-0859 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
