2008 Election TL (Gameplay Thread)

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee appears in Lansing, Michigan with Dave Camp, Mike Rogers and Thad McCotter, as well as a new endorsement, from Representative Vern Ehlers, who speaks in favor of Huckabee.

"My friends, I'm endorsing Mike Huckabee for president because he's the best choice for Republicans and for the country. He's the most qualified candidate in the race, and I'm certain that he will make a fine president. I ask all of you to vote for him on January 15."

--Vern Ehlers

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee announces a tour of Michigan. He will be visiting Marquette, Grand Rapids and Lansing, among other places.

He also has two new endorsements, from Fred Upton and Candice Miller.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee presents a series of town hall meetings in Michigan, where he addresses the economic concerns of voters. Flint, Grand Rapids and Lansing are some of the cities he is visiting.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee makes a campaign stop in Flint, Michigan, where he touts his experience as governor of Arkansas and talks about the economy.

He also holds a rally in Lansing, where he appears with Vern Ehlers and Fred Upton.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee holds a victory rally in Greenville, South Carolina.

"My friends, with your support, we have now managed to win the states of Michigan and South Carolina. We have certainly made great progress, and I hope to continue with it. I'd like to thank all of you for making it happen, and I'd like also to congratulate Mitt Romney for winning the state of Nevada, and Tom Tancredo for his performance as well." --Mike Huckabee

He then travels to Florida for rallies in Pensacola and St. Petersburg, with Jeff Kottkamp and Mel Martinez.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee appears in Jacksonville and Miami, Florida, and has three new endorsements, from Representatives Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart, and Attorney General Bill McCollum.

"Floridians, I'm confident in Mike Huckabee's abilities to serve as President of the United States. I ask you to give your vote to a candidate who has what it takes to make a great president. We can win with Mike!"

--Bill McCollum

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee announces a series of town hall meetings in Florida. He will be visiting Tallahassee, Pensacola, Jacksonville, Miami and the Tampa Bay area, addressing the concerns of voters across the state.

In the meantime, he has now been endorsed by Cliff Stearns and the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Marco Rubio. They are currently stumping for Huckabee in Tampa.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee makes a campaign stop in St. Augustine, with a new endorsement, Representative John Mica.

"Mike Huckabee is someone I can trust with the presidency. He has the experience and the conservative record...he has what it takes to win, and to serve. If you want someone who can make a great President, we have that someone in Mike. I encourage my fellow Florida Republicans to vote for him on January 29." --John Mica

He also begins to run a new ad in Florida, taking note of his experience as governor.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee appears on an interview with Fox News.

Reporter: Why do you think you're better than Romney?
Huckabee: Well, experience if the most important issue, in my opinion. Like Mitt Romney, I've served in the executive branch (at the state level). Unlike Romney, however, I've served over 2 full terms as governor. It's true that Romney has been a very successful businessman for many years, and that's a good thing. However, no amount of private sector work can make up for a lack in actual government work.
Reporter: Now, let's take a look at policy. How would you say you're better than Romney there?
Huckabee: Well, I've definitely been criticizing Romney's social policy a great deal. I know that Romney is trying to set himself up as the conservative in the race. However, his gubernatorial record has something else on social issues. Now, I know Romney will say "but oh, we're better on economics." He's been criticizing me a great deal on that. But Romney, despite having the anti-tax image now, has been open to increasing revenue as governor of Massachusetts, and he did just that. He just increased fees instead of taxes, but you have to consider: are fees really that much preferable?

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee tours the state of Florida. He visits Tallahassee, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg and Miami, and holds rallies with Bill McCollum, Mel Martinez, Cliff Stearns and Marco Rubio.

He also releases a new ad taking note of his social conservatism.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee holds another interview, for CNN.

Huckabee: Unfortunately, I don't find it surprising that my opponent is twisting my words to fit his campaign. Not once did I "dismiss" his private sector work; on the contrary, I said that it's a good thing. I also said that private sector work is no substitute for actual government experience, and I stand by that comment. It's one thing if you're running for congressman or even governor or senator, but if you're looking to be commander in chief, the most powerful person in the world, you have to have some prior experience in government, and I stand by my opinion that Romney's prior experience in government is insufficient. That's not dismissing private sector experience, but when it comes to the presidency, government work is important.

He also holds more rallies in Florida, visiting Orlando, Key West and Miami.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee holds a rally in Tampa, Florida.

"In response to Mitt Romney's latest comment on experience, I'd like to note that I too am a Republican, partly for the same reason that Romney has just mentioned; that the Republicans advocate business over government.

However, once can be a business advocate, and still realize the importance of experience. The Republican party has encouraged the private sector and smaller government for decades. That has never translated into inexperience in government, however, or making inexperience into a point of pride.

Let's not forget the man who said, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. Despite that, he served a total of two terms as governor before he won the presidency."

--Mike Huckabee

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee holds another interview, for Fox News.

Huckabee: I've pointed out that Mitt Romney had only served 4 years in any public office. Suddenly, he's equated that with "dismissing" his work in the private sector. Now, Tom Tancredo is going even further than Mitt Romney. He's thinking that I'm "attacking America's businessman"...even though I've clearly stated that I have absolutely nothing against Romney's private sector work. My opponents are clearly desperate to portray me in a negative light.
Reporter: Tancredo actually made a speech just now regarding your comments.
Huckabee: George Washington was a military general, so he clearly did serve in goernment, simply not in public office. Whatever the case, even if Tancredo is right there, it's hardly an accurate comparison because the world today, even the world in Ronald Reagan's day, is far different from that of the 1700s, and Mitt Romney is certainly no George Washington. Reagan did work in business for 30 years, but also had 2 full terms of experience in government. His time as governor of California was certainly more important as far as his political life was concerned, but I've never "bad-mouthed" him or anyone else for being a businessman, and I don't hate the private sector.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee holds a new set of campaign stops, visiting Pensacola, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, St. Augustine, Miami and Key West.

He also releases an ad touting his decade-long governorship, and mentions in the ad that Time named him one of the top 5 governors in the nation in 2005.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee appears in Orlando, Florida, with 2 new endorsements, represenative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and former governor Jeb Bush.

"Today, I have decided to make public a decision that no doubt was a very difficult for me, and which I expect will be difficult for all Floridians. I have decided to support Mike Huckabee in his campaign for the presidency. I have the utmost respect for my father, George H. W. Bush, and his choice for president, Mitt Romney, however, I think Huckabee is the man best suited to taking on America's problems, and I look forward to helping his campaign if necessary. Thank you all."

--Jeb Bush

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee concedes both states in a statement released the next day.

He also begins campaigning for Super Tuesday, with the first rallies taking place in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. He appears with 2 new endorsements, Governor John Hoeven (ND) and Senator Norm Coleman (MN).

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee announces a nationwide tour of the Super Tuesday states, from California to New York.

He also has several new endorsements campaigning on his behalf.

"Actually, my friends, I considered running for president myself. But, I chose not to, because we already have a candidate who I know will be strong going into November, and who will stand up for conservative values. That candidate, my friends, is Mike Huckabee! If you want a true conservative 44th presidency, I ask you to vote for Mike Huckabee tomorrow."

--Duncan Hunter, announcing his support for Mike Huckabee in San Diego, CA

He also is endorsed by George Radanovich, another Represenative from California.

Also campaigning for him are Jon Kyl, Trent Franks and John Shadegg (AZ), Jack Kingston (GA), Jim Risch (ID), John Shimkus (IL), Norm Coleman and John Kline (MN), Matt Blunt (MO), Denny Rehberg (MT), John Hoeven (ND), and Doc Hastings, Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dave Reichert (WA).

[RIP Robert H Bork]

During the course of his nationwide tour, Mike Huckabee visits the states currently being targeted by Mitt Romney. He visits Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, and Georgia. He has several new endorsements on the way: Frank Lucas and Frank Keating (OK), and Don Sundquist, Howard Baker and Bill Frist (TN). Also campaigning for him are Sonny Perdue, John Linder and Jack Kingston in Georgia, and Matt Blunt, Sam Graves and Kenny Hulshof in Missouri.

Keating, at a campaign stop in Oklahoma City campaigning for Huckabee: "As a former 2 term governor myself, with more government experience before that, I've been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate myself. I'm not running, however, because I think Mike Huckabee is a great candidate, and I've decided to endorse him. And I have to say that he does have the right idea on experience. Mitt Romney has mentioned his business career a great deal. I have no issues with his status as a businessman nor his mentioning it, and neither does Huckabee.

However, a government is not a business. Running a government is not the same as running a business; there are some fundamental differences between the two. A good business executive may become a good political executive, but that's hardly always the case. No matter how opposed you are to Mitt Romney, you can't deny the fact that he's been great as a businessman. Does that mean he's been a great governor, or will make a great president? Well, it's debateable....(laughter). Don't get me wrong, I think Mitt's been a fine governor of Massachusetts, but we can do better. That's why I'm supporting Mike Huckabee for president."

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee is endorsed by 9 representatives nationwide: Mike Rogers and Robert Aderholt (AL), Kevin McCarthy (CA), Doug Lamborn (CO), Lynn Westmoreland (GA), Jeff Fortenberry, Lee Terry and Adrian Smith (NE), and Tom Reynolds (NY).

"I'm looking forward to a President Huckabee, and I hope you are too. I think he is in the best position to tackle the nation's problems. I'm asking you to vote for him on Super Tuesday."

--Kevin McCarthy

Mike Huckabee also releases the following statement: "I'm glad to see more and more people across the country joining our campaign, our message of true conservatism. If you want a conservative Republican on the ballot in November, please consider voting for Mike Huckabee. Thank you and God bless."

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee campaigns in Atlanta, Georgia, with Represenative Lynn Westmoreland, Governor Sonny Perdue and Senator Johnny Isakson.

"My friends, I ask you to vote for Mike Huckabee on Super Tuesday. I'm certain that I'd rather have a conservative Republican in the White House, and I'm certain in Mike Huckabee's ability to make that a reality. So, if you too want a true conservative, please consider voting for Huckabee this Tuesday. Thank you all, and God bless."

--Johnny Isakson

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee campaigns in North Dakota, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Georgia. He appears with John Hoeven (ND), Norm Coleman and John Kline (MN), Tom Cole and Frank Keating (OK), Bob Corker, Lamar Alexander and Don Sundquist (TN), and Johnny Isakson and John Linder (GA).

"Mike Huckabee is someone who I'm certain will make a fine president, if elected. Although Mitt Romney is a fine candidate, too, it's to Mike that I'm giving my support. I think that he's the best candidate that the Republican party has to offer, which is why I'm supporting him tomorrow, and I hope that other Minnesotans do the same! Thank you, and God bless America!"

--Norm Coleman

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee makes a final push for Super Tuesday, going across the country from California to Georgia.

Also, various public officials are stumping for Mike Huckabee in Super Tuesday states as well, including Kevin McCarthy, Jon Kyl, Jim Risch, Frank Keating, Don Sundquist, John Shimkus and Sonny Perdue.

Jim Risch at a rally in Boise, Idaho: "I'm endorsing Mike Huckabee because he's the best candidate for the conservatives in the Republican party. I encourage all Idaho voters to support him."

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee makes 3 more Georgia campaign stops, in Savannah, Marietta and Atlanta. He holds a large rally in Atlanta with Sonny Perdue, Johnny Isakson, Jack Kingston, Lynn Westmoreland and John Linder.

Perdue: "Mike Huckabee has the leadership and the experience to lead conservatives forward into November. He's a great man, great candidate, and I'm sure he'd make a great president as well. So, Georgians, I am strongly encouraging you to consider a vote for him in the Georgia Republican primary on Super Tuesday. Thank you, and God bless!"

Other Huckabee supporters are continuing to stump for him across the nation.

Jon Kyl, in Phoenix, Arizona: "As soon as I saw him, I knew that conservatives have their candidate. I know that we can win with him, and he may become a great president, and build a greater America. And, I know, my friends, that that candidate is Mike Huckabee! I encourage you to vote for him on Super Tuesday!"

Duncan Hunter, in San Diego, California: "With Mike Huckabee in the race, I know that we have someone that we can be enthusiastic about. I ask my fellow Californians to vote for him on Super Tuesday!"

Norm Coleman also campaigns on Huckabee's behalf in Rochester and St. Paul, Minnesota, and John Hoeven campaigns for him in Bismarck and Fargo, North Dakota.

Huckabee also holds events in Springfield and Jefferson City, Missouri. He appears with Sam Graves, Kenny Hulshof and Matt Blunt.

Hulshof: "I know that we can win with Mike Huckabee. He's the candidate that I trust when it comes to social and family issues. I think we haven't paid enough attention to Mitt Romney's governorship, and his record on the unborn, the second amendment, and marriage. To Romney's credit, he did support traditional marriage, but he didn't succeed there."

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee holds more events in Missouri, Oklahoma and Georgia. He visits Fulton, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Atlanta, Georgia, and is accompanied by various officeholders from each state.

Frank Lucas is one of the participants in the Tulsa rally, where he emphasizes Huckabee's social record as part of the reason why he is supporting him.

Also, Johnny Isakson campaigns for Huckabee in Atlanta and Marietta, where he takes note of Huckabee's governorship, named one of the top 5 in 2005.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

Mike Huckabee visits California, Arizona, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota. He visits San Diego, Phoenix, Helena, Bismarck, and Minneapolis, with supporters from each state, including Duncan Hunter, Jon Kyl, Denny Rehberg, John Hoeven and Norm Coleman, finally retiring for the evening to watch the results on television.