Saturday that he is not running for president in 2012. The former
Arkansas governor used his Fox News show, “Huckabee,” to make the
announcement.
In 2008, Huckabee
appealed to many evangelical voters and won the Iowa caucuses. As he
said in his announcement, he was consistently on top of the polls and
was favored higher than his peers.
Despite his stature in
the polls, Huckabee has taken himself out of the race. “For me the
discussion and decision is ultimately not a political one, not a
financial one, not even a practical one — it’s a spiritual one,”
he said Saturday night.
Although some wonder if
he is out for good, Huckabee was pretty clear in his intentions. “All
the factors say go, but my heart says no, and that’s the decision I
have made. In it, I have finally found some resolution,” he
said. “I can’t 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.”
Huckabee concluded the
speech by saying, “I’m eternally grateful for the faithful support
of my wife, children and my real friends who promise to stand with me
no matter what.”
Although Huckabee is out of the race, he will still be a powerful
voice in the election. Not only is his Fox News show popular, he also
has connections with some key Iowa caucus players. Due to his influence,
some presidential hopefuls will be after his endorsement. Several
potential candidates made statements following Huckabee’s announcement.
“Former
Speaker Newt Gingrich called the announcement ‘a wonderful example
for all Americans of’ someone trying to do the right thing,’” a Time.com blog reported. Gingrich, who announced his candidacy last
week, called Huckabee a “new star for the Republican Party” and
said there is “no question he would have been a front-runner in the
2012 campaign for president” in a released statement.
“Mike Huckabee is a friend and colleague; and an important
leader within the Republican Party,” former Minnesota Governor Tim
Pawlenty commented in a statement. “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.”
According
to the Time.com blog, ex-Senator Rick Santorum wrote, “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.” Santorum released
a statement saying he was looking forward to “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.”
Real
estate mogul Donald Trump also responded to Huckabee’s choice not to run
in a special address that immediately followed the announcement.
“I’m
Donald Trump and this is a special announcement,” Trump said. “Mike
Huckabee is not going to be running for president. This might be
considered by some people, not necessarily me, bad news because he is
a terrific guy — and frankly I think he would be a terrific
president. But a lot of people are very happy that he will not be
running, especially other candidates. So, Mike, enjoy the show. Your
ratings are terrific. You’re making a lot of money. You’re
building a beautiful house in Florida. Good luck.”
Nick
Ayers, Pawlenty’s campaign manager, tweeted on Huckabee’s
decision. “I respect the way Huck came to his decision and
announced it,” Ayers posted Saturday night. “He will still have
a big say in this process.”
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