[grassboots]

Gregg Jackson is a radio talk show host on WRKO in Boston and author of "Conservative Comebacks to Liberal Lies: Issue By Issue Responses to the Most Common Claims of the Left from A to Z."

Okay, maybe I'm committing professional suicide.

I'm putting principle above what they're calling "party loyalty" these days. I'm putting inalienable rights endowed by our Creator above my friendships with other conservatives in the media. I'm putting real constitutions above the celebrity "conservative" lawyers who long ago figured out that defending the actual meaning of constitutions is no way to get ahead in the world.

Republican presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, gestures as he answers a question during a news conference, following a campaign appearance, in Oklahoma City, Friday, Feb. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Related Media: VIDEO: Raw Interview: Huckabee Prepares for Alabama VIDEO: Mike Huckabee If I disappear you can send letters to the gulag where they send real conservatives and constitutionalists who point to conservative emperors who have no clothes. Here goes.

I have made the decision to vote for Governor Mike Huckabee on the basis of research into actual records -- rather than empty campaign double-talk. Alone among the frontrunners, his record is conservative on the most fundamental issues. I will go even further: examining records proves that when $100 million dollars of GOP campaign propaganda is set aside, Mike Huckabee is the only real across-the-board (social and fiscal) conservative among the three front runners.

Mitt Romney is not only not a conservative on any issue, he's not even on the left-right spectrum. He has no beliefs. No principles. No backbone. No soul. He is a soulless creature who will do and say anything to get elected.

McCain is somewhere in the middle. He has disappointed me, and many other conservatives, many times (McCain-Feingold and McCain-Kennedy chief among them). If he becomes the GOP nominee I will support him.

I will not under any circumstances vote for Mitt Romney. Ever.

Here is why I support Mike Huckabee:

Abortion: First and foremost, I am voting for Huckabee because he is the only leading candidate who supports the core of the GOP plank - the Human Life Amendment. Mitt Romney openly opposes it. McCain has voted "pro-life" but voting is as far as he will go. He recoils from paying any price politically or personally to end the holocaust happening daily around the corner from your house. When pro-life conservatives were trying to replace career pro-abort Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court, McCain called Justice Samuel Alito "too conservative."

We will never be safe and secure from either foreign or domestic enemies until we stop the barbaric, inhumane practice of abortion which has liquidated almost 50 million babies since Roe v Wade. I agree with those who examine providential events in American history and conclude that God has protected this nation at crucial times. If you are even open to that possibility, wouldn't you have to agree that 50 million seems like a lot of babies to kill and still hope God will protect America? Isn't that hypocritical of us? Outlawing abortion at the federal level is not a secondary issue. It's Issue Numero Uno. It's a no-brainer. Mike Huckabee deserves every vote in America for understanding that alone.

Senator McCain is not in favor of amending our constitution to ensure that, regardless of what state a baby is born into, he or she is guaranteed the legal right to life. How puzzling to claim to believe in the inalienable right to life and liberty yet assert that "federalism" or "states' rights" somehow grant states a power to take innocent life. In 1860 that position was not the abolitionist position. It was the pro-slavery position. Today it is neither constitutional nor conservative. It's just theoretically halfway between good and evil. And it won't end the harvest of death and take the blood off our hands.

Mitt Romney is the Founding Father of government-subsidized, $50 abortion-on-demand in Massachusetts. Laws don't get any more pro-abortion than Mitt Romney's Orwellian health care plan...unless you go to Communist China. Even the Communist Democrats in Boston couldn't pull that off. He is not merely "weak" or unconvincing on this issue. He's an amoral pro-abort masquerading as a convert to the view that human life is sacred. Other than that he's indistinguishable from Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton (both of whom have gleefully endorsed the Romney-Kennedy-Planned Parenthood healthcare plan). Enough said? He claims he was required by law to sign this healthcare bill that established abortion with a $50 co-pay as a "healthcare benefit." That is an insult to our intelligence and a pre-meditated lie. There is no Massachusetts' law that requires subsidized abortion on demand. Romney also appointed a Planned Parenthood member to his healthcare advisory board and no pro-life member. Pro-life governors don't do that. This alone puts him on the pro-abortion extreme of the spectrum -- for Democrats, let alone Republicans.

Marriage: Unlike McCain who worked hard to defeat a Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA), Huckabee strongly supports a FMA and understands what is at stake for America, our children and grandchildren if we fail to enshrine into law that marriage is between one man and one woman. Although Governor Romney has recently staked out a position claiming to support traditional marriage, he speaks as the opportunistic politician who unilaterally imposed "same sex marriage" in Massachusetts after the law-making body that has exclusive authority to do so, refused to grant the Goodridge judges their fantasy. He did this revolutionary act -- unbidden by even the judges -- claiming he was just "following the law." A lie, pure and simple, powerfully refuted by the state Constitution itself.

As many constitutional experts have tried in vain to warn the conservative elites, there is no law that allows "same sex marriage" in Massachusetts. It's still illegal. The court merely issued a surreal and legally impotent declaratory opinion that barring same sex marriage was unconstitutional. Romney even opposed efforts to remove the judges who violated their oaths of office by ignoring the state constitution's removal of court jurisdiction to even hear such a case. In September of 2007 we finally learned the explanation for Romney's mysterious actions: he was carrying out a 2002 campaign promise to the homosexual "Log Cabin" Republicans.

Immigration: Although Governor Huckabee has been called the "amnesty" candidate, he has never supported "amnesty." He is in favor of securing the border and has taken the "No Amnesty Pledge." He has received the endorsements from Congressman Duncan Hunter and Jim Gilchrist founder of the Minuteman Project. Senator McCain was the co-author of the McCain-Kennedy-Bush "comprehensive immigration" bill that was ultimately defeated. But he now supports securing the border first. Governor Romney supported McCain-Kennedy-Bush as well and now, like McCain, claims to support securing the border first. Neither has that much credibility with me when it comes to this issue. Although I tend to trust McCain more given "Multiple Choice Mitt's" penchant for surreal flip flops.

Foreign Policy/National Security: Governor Huckabee has the most executive experience of any candidate in either party - three or four times what Mitt Romney has, considering Romney spent so much time outside his state (212 days in his last year in office).

With nearly eleven years running a state, Governor Huckabee is by far the best qualified to manage a huge, bloated bureaucracy. He supports increasing defense expenditures from our current 3.9% of GDP level to the Reagan Era 6% of GDP level and the "Powell Doctrine" of using overwhelming force. Senator McCain lacks the executive experience but does have the actual military and government experience and is no doubt well qualified to lead the War on Islamic Jihadism. By supporting the surge even when it was not politically popular, McCain showed that he is willing to do the right thing regardless of the polls. Governor Romney is the least qualified of the three. Romney's chief counterterrorism expert Cofer Black was condemned by the 9-11 Commission, Congressional Joint Inquiry, and the CIA Inspector General for his mismanagement of the CIA's Counterterrorism Center as contributing factors in the 9-11 attacks. This should be a major concern for voters.

2nd Amendment: Huckabee has always been a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment. McCain has more of a mixed record on gun control laws. Romney is by far the most pro-gun control anti-2nd Amendment candidate. He has always supported the Brady Bill and the so called "Assault Weapons Ban" both of which are opposed by the NRA. As governor he boasted about having signed into law some of the strictest gun control laws in the country.

Taxes and Spending: Huckabee is, by far, the most fiscally conservative of the three. As governor he cut taxes almost 100 times and left Arkansas with an $850 million surplus. While I have some questions about his proposed" Fair Tax" which is a flat consumption based tax that would replace our federal income tax, it is by far the most aggressive fiscal proposal put forth by any candidate. While Senator McCain did oppose the Bush Tax Cuts (b/c they didn't include enough spending cuts), he now supports making them permanent. And nobody doubts his anti-pork spending bona fides. Romney, as governor, raised taxes by over $500 million dollars. (He called them fees) leaving the Commonwealth in financial turmoil. His government run socialist healthcare plan he claimed as his signature achievement has been exposed as a catastrophe in the making. And although he derides McCain for not supporting the Bush Tax Cuts, Romney himself didn't support them either.

Special Rights for Homosexuals: Huckabee has always been opposed to same-sex "marriage" and any special rights based on sexual orientation. McCain has more of a mixed record as one of seven other GOP senators who opposed a federal marriage amendment. Romney boosted funding for pro-homosexuality indoctrination in schools, pushed gay adoption, falsely pretending that a law forced him to, and has been the more aggressive in catering to the homosexual militants than most liberal Democrats. He argued in 1994 that he could get more accomplished for the gay agenda than Ted Kennedy and made similar promises when running for governor in 2002. He called a 2002 Massachusetts protection of marriage amendment "too extreme" and is solely responsible for illegally instituting "same sex marriage" in the Cradle of Democracy. He also supports homosexual Boy Scout leaders and homosexuals serving openly in the military.

[counterpunch]

Why I'm Voting for Mike Huckabee

Because you're an idiot and you want John McCain to win.
 

[counterpunch]

Why I'm Voting for Mike Huckabee

Because you're an idiot and you want John McCain to win.
 

[livius]

I think that sums it up very nicely. It’s why I voted for Huckabee, too. He’s the only one whose record is genuinely conservative.

[Vigilanteman]

No thanks. Huck is joined at the hip with his good friend John McCain on supporting colonization by illegal aliens and forcing taxpayers to contribute to the church of global warming.

Here are the Senators who voted against the Cornyn amendment , which would have established a permanent bar for gang members, terrorists, and other criminals looking to snag a shamnesty visa. Republicans underlined:

Never forget McCain not only pushed the amnesty bill, he refused to allow exclusions for the worst of the lot. And he unloaded his infamous temper on his mild-mannered senate colleague for having the audacity to introduce this amendment.

Huckabee's election year conversion to secure borders does not erase his actual record of enthusiastic support for open borders.

[gpapa]

[SouthernBoyupNorth]

so you swallowed the HUCKSTERS propaganda.... What a Morooon.
The only thing conservative about that snake oil salesman is the bible he touts.... and he uses that to hide behind. Nope not biting on this one. Hes a liar and a thief. Just like the other arsehole from Arkansas.... Slick Willy.

[Berlin_Freeper]

(((HuckaPING!)))

FReepmail me if you want on/off the MIKE HUCKABEE FOR PRESIDENT Ping List.

[G.Mason]

Why I don't care ...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

[trisham]

grassboots

Since Feb 5, 2008

*******************

Welcome to Free Republic.

[HighlyOpinionated]

Why I'm Not Voting For Huckabee: He is Anti-Catholic and Anti-Mormon. His Words and Actions Indicate He Is Not Nearly The Christian He Wants People To Believe He Is. He Uses The Pulpit To Garner Supporters. And He's From Arkansas. While Governor, Huckabee Pardoned More Criminals Than Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton, Mena Drug Cartel, Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods Are From Arkansas. Can Anything Good Come Out Of Arkansas?

NO!

Huckabee can't hold a Christmas Candle to Mitt Romney.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

All of the present republicrat nominees
for POTUS will leave America weaker and
more in debt after four years.

Huckabee might not leave America in a
worse position than the rest.

[bmwcyle]

Wintrop-Win Rockefeller: Bill Clinton & Mike Huckabee connections

[Samba]

Will you also vote Michael Vick into the NFL Hall Of Fame?

[joebuck]

I could support and vote for Huck if I thought he had a chance. However, at this point I believe a vote for Huck is a vote for McCain. Thus, I will hold my nose and vote for Romney if he’s still around by the time of my state’s primary.

[fideist]

You forgot that he is endorsed by Duncan Hunter and Jim Robinson (founder of FR).

[fideist]

You forgot that he is endorsed by Duncan Hunter and Jim Robinson (founder of FR).

[ArkansasBushfan]

Anyone that votes for Muckabee has never lived in Arkansas. What I would like to know is, what has McCain promised Muckabee to stay in the race to take conservative votes away from Romney.

[CharlesWayneCT]

I'd have more respect for his opinion if it was based on fact, rather than the falsehoods spread by others. When you base your decision on things that are demonstratably false, it doesn't say much for your process or your conclusion.

I'll only address two points here. First, the question of the Human Life Amendment. Romney has not been strong on this issue, to be sure, but to claim as he does that he openly opposes it is to stretch the truth. Romney has spoken often about returning the decision to the states, and some say that the Human Life Amendment removes any aspect of state control, but it doesn't, just as a state can impose different penalties for harm to others now, they could impose "penalties" for abortion that are not deterrents even if the HLA was passed.

But that's not Romney's argument or position. Romney was, like Fred Thompson, fond of saying that we could get the abortion question back into the democratic process, and that doing so would allow each state to make their own rules. But when asked more recently, he said that in the long term, he thinks that democratic process would include passing the Human Life Amendment.

Here is a statement made recently:

"Gov. Romney supports the Republican Party's platform protecting the sanctity of life," Madden told ABC News. "He believes that Roe v. Wade should be overturned so that the life issue can be returned to the Democratic process through the people and their elected representatives. Gov. Romney's support for the Republican Party's pro-life platform and overturning Roe v. Wade are complementary goals and beliefs."

So he's not as outspoken about it as Huckabee, but he's not opposed to it, much less "openly" against it.

Worse for the author is his buying, hook line and lousy judicial logic, that Romney imposed, on his own and illegally, Gay Marriage. The court decision clearly imposed gay marriage on Mass, by ruling that the word "man" and "wife" had to be interpreted as "person".

Every person who heard the ruling knew that they had imposed gay marraige, which is why all the pro-marriage folks immediately pushed for an amendment to "fix it" -- why would we waste our time, if there was nothing to fix?

Every article from the time indicates that they imposed gay marriage. Plus, the idea that a court would make a ruling that did nothing, and that all we had to do was ignore it, is so illogical as to fly in the face of reason.

And if that argument was true, there is no way that a governor could possibly impose gay marriage in opposition to the law. A lawsuit would quickly put a stop to it, as happened when the Mayor of San Fransisco tried this. SO the suggestion that Romney had some sort of kingly power to violate the law with impugnity is again absurd.

Given that Romney has always been on record as opposing gay marriage and gay civil unions, it seems absurd that one day, for absolutely no reason at all, Romney decided to break the law and change marriage in Mass to something he opposed. Or that the pro-marriage community would let him get away with it.

I understand why slime groups like MassResistance peddle their fiction, it works for them. I don't understand how a thinking person could buy into their illogic. We all lived through 2004, and we all know the truth. We were there.

The fact that ANY serious person believes this is kind of scary, like "1984"-scary. That people can allow their own prejudices and notions to so interfere with their thinking as to adopt a position completely at odds with the facts is a scary thought indeed.

[Jim W N]

Huckabee's voting record and what he stands for is pretty solid according to the American Family Association. Read below for their findings - Huckabee’s the best of the bunch...

Didn’t know how to cleanly post this, but Huckabee's voting record is the first of the three, right answer on every issue. (Number after voting record are footnotes at the bottom.) American Family Association (www.afa.net) Voter Guide 2008 Presidential Primary
1 - Mike Huckabee
2 - John McCain
3 - Mitt Romney
Human Life Amendment Supports a national Human Life Amendment YES 2 NO 3 NO 5
Traditional Marriage Supports a Federal Marriage Amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman only YES 7 NO 8 YES 6
Gun Rights Opposes an assault weapons ban YES 15 NO 15 YES 15
Business Freedom Opposes laws forcing business to favor homosexuality YES 10 YES 10 NO 10
Limit Taxes Signed AFTR Pledge to not raise taxes YES 12 YES 13 NO 14
Opposes Gay Pride Refused to support Gay Pride celebrations YES 12 YES 13 NO 14
Iraq War Opposes immediate removal of troops from Iraq YES 20 YES 21 YES 23
Moral Education Opposes curriculum that promotes homosexuality YES 12 YES 25 NO 26

REPUBLICAN Footnotes: 2) www.mikehuckabee.com 3) “Rift within GOP is widening over issue of abortion,” Boston Globe 8/28/99 A-14 5) http://race42008.com/2007/11/16/mitt-romney-on-human-life-amendment-3- 06-2007/trackback/ 6) 2007 GOP Primary Debate in Orlando, October 21, 2007 7) Transcript, Values Voter Debate, September 17, 2007, Fort Lauderdale, FL 8) Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace, May 22, 2006 9) www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul207.html 10) http://edition1.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.gun.html 12) www.valuesvoterdebate.com/downloads/Round2Answers.pdf 13) www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=s1996-281 14) ww.boston.com/news/politics//politicalintelligence/2006/12/romneys_thought .html and www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=columnists&sc=the_romney_ files&sc2=&sc3=&id=53688 and www.msnbc.com/id/22273924/page/6/ 15) www.atr.org/content/html/2008/jan/010408pr-nh_pledge.html 21) www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm? congress=110&session=1&vote=00116 23) www.nytimes.com/2007/09/05/us/politics/06text.html?pagewanted=9&_r=1 25) www.govtrack.us/congress/amendment.xpd?session=103&amdt=s2434 26) ww.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=columnists&sc=the_romney_files&sc2=&sc3 =&id=53688 and www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=columnists&sc=the_ romney_files&sc2=&sc3=&id=53674 and http://massresistance.org/docs/ marriage/romney/record

[unspun]

Excellent analysis of Huckabee vs. McCain vs. Romney — examining both obvious and subtle matters.

Again, Romney in the Calif. debate hedged on nominating strict constructionists, after the O’Connor question.