As you may have heard, Mike Huckabee has launched HuckPac.
Many of us hoped Huckabee would use the platform and publicity he garnered during his presidential run to start a national organization focused on social issues (something to fill the void left by the Christian Coalition). Instead, it appears Huckabee has decided to focus on creating a vehicle to fuel a future run for office. (Who knows, maybe an organization will follow?)
... Obviously, PAC's are the ideal political arm for politicians who want to disperse money to other politicians, and earn favors. Had Huckabee started a 501 (c)(3) organization, for example, it would not be allowed to make political contributions -- though it might have done some terrific work on behalf of the conservative movement.
Also of note, Huckabee chose April 15 to launch the PAC -- and most of the verbiage associated with the site stresses his Fair Tax position over social issues. For example his site says, Huck PAC will support Republican candidates who are passionate advocates for tax reform, a strong national defense, real border security, life, the family, less government and individual liberty. (Emphasis mine.)
This leads me to believe Huckabee's primary goal for the immediate future is to counter the argument (advanced most effectively by the Club for Growth) that he is a fiscal liberal.
This -- coupled with the fact that several of Huckabee supporters recently attempted to stop Mitt Romney (his most likely opponent for a future presidential run) from becoming VP -- I think we will definitely see Mike Huckabee running for president again.
A lot of conservatives would prefer he run for U.S. Senate. But I think we're going to eventually see Romney vs. Huck. It might be in '12 or it might be in '16 -- but these are two trains headed right at each other ...
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