Mike Huckabee Files Exploratory Committee Paperwork

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced Monday he has filed the necessary paperwork to form an exploratory committee as part of a 2008 presidential bid.

"This is an opportunity for me to show the American dream is still alive," Huckabee said to a group of state GOP leaders Monday in Little Rock. "By filing papers with the Federal Election Commission, I'm officially taking the next step to become a candidate for President of United States."

The formation of an exploratory committee allows Huckabee to raise money and hire a campaign staff for a presidential run. He said details of the organization will be announced in future weeks.

Huckabee, 51, left office on Jan 9. "People want an authentic conservative who has a proven record of results," he said.

Huckabee announced his plans to form an exploratory committee yesterday on NBC's 'Meet the Press' morning show with host Tim Russert.

"America loves an underdog," Huckabee told Russert. "One of the reasons that I'm running for president is because I think that America needs folks who understand what it is to start at the bottom of the ladder and climb their way to the top."

Huckabee became Arkansas' 44th Governor in 1996 when his predecessor resigned. Huckabee was elected to a full four-year term as governor in 1998, attracting the largest percentage of the vote ever received by a Republican gubernatorial nominee in Arkansas. He was re-elected to another four-year term in November 2002. He was the third longest serving governor in the history of Arkansas, having served ten and a half years.

Huckabee served as chairman of the National Governors Association and chairman of the Education Commission of the States. During his tenure as governor, Huckabee made great strides in improving education, increasing access to health care, updating technology in state government and revamping the state's roadways.

Huckabee, a fiscal conservative, pushed through the Arkansas Legislature the first major, broad-based tax cuts in state history. He led efforts to establish a Property Taxpayers' Bill of Rights and created a welfare reform program that reduced welfare rolls in the state by almost 50 percent.

Last year, Huckabee campaigned in nearly 30 states on behalf of Republican candidates, state parties and conservative groups. He plans to travel to Iowa, his ninth trip to the Hawkeye State, on Tuesday. Huckabee has events scheduled in Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, Grinnell, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Tipton and Bettendorf.

Former AR Governor Mike Huckabee to Explore Presidential Bid

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced Sunday on NBC's 'Meet the Press' morning show with host Tim Russert that he will explore a presidential bid for 2008.

Huckabee, who left office Jan. 9, said, "People want an authentic conservative who has a proven record of results."

"I'm taking the next step in becoming a candidate for President of United States," Huckabee, a Republican, said. "By filing papers with the Federal Election Commission, I will establish my official exploratory committee."

The formation of an exploratory committee allows Huckabee to raise and spend money for a presidential run.

"I've concluded that I should take this necessary and vital step to bring a new kind of optimistic leadership to the public square," Huckabee said, noting that he has received "strong, prayerful support" from his family, close friends and supporters in many states.

Last year, Huckabee campaigned in nearly 30 states on behalf of Republican candidates, state parties and conservative groups.

Huckabee became Arkansas' 44th governor in July 1996 when his predecessor resigned. He was one of the youngest governors in the country at the time. Huckabee first was elected lieutenant governor in a 1993 special election and was elected to a full four-year term in 1994. He was only the fourth Republican to be elected to statewide office since Reconstruction.

Huckabee was elected to a full four-year term as governor in 1998, attracting the largest percentage of the vote ever received by a Republican gubernatorial nominee in Arkansas, and was re-elected to another four-year term in November 2002. He was the third longest serving governor in the history of Arkansas, having served ten and a half years.

Huckabee is nationally recognized for his leadership capabilities and many accomplishments as governor. 'Governing' magazine named him as one of its Public Officials of the Year in 2005, Time magazine honored him as one of the 'Five Best Governors' in America, and he received the distinguished Impact Award from the American Association of Retired Persons.

Huckabee served as chairman of the National Governors Association and chairman of the Education Commission of the States. During his tenure as governor, Huckabee made great strides in improving education, increasing access to health care, updating technology in state government and revamping the state's roadways.

Huckabee, a fiscal conservative, pushed through the Arkansas Legislature the first major, broad-based tax cuts in state history. He led efforts to establish a Property Taxpayers' Bill of Rights and created a welfare reform program that reduced welfare rolls in the state by almost 50 percent.

The governor is a noted speaker and author. He has given speeches on politics and public policy to groups across the country and around the world.

Born and raised in Hope, AR, Huckabee, 51, and his wife, Janet, live in North Little Rock. They have three grown children, John Mark, David and Sarah.

Official announcement activities are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Jan. 30, with a two-day tour in Iowa. (This will be the Governor's ninth trip to the HawkeyeState.)

Source: Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.