Governor Huckabee announced to the surprise of many that his running mate would be John McCain, the twice presidential candidate and Senator from Arizona.
"I want someone beside me in the White House who may disagree with me at time, but will a voice of reason and clear judgement. John McCain is that person and he will be the next Vice President of The United States."
The nomination of Mike Huckabee came as a shock to the political establishment. Being a grassroots candidates most never expected him to make it to the primaries and caucuses, but by pulling off quite an upset he proved he was tough competition, even when facing a relatively popular incumbent.
Matchup:
Shaheen: 50%
Huckabee: 41%
Though Shaheen had the successful campaign in Afghanistan the US economy was slowly starting to weaken. In order to dodge it as an issue during the election Shaheen played her strengths on National Security, and how she was best prepared to keep America safe in a still uncertain world.
"My opponent believes that by attacking me and not discussing the real issue he can win. We'll I've got some news for him. That isn't the way politics work and it's not the way America works. Gov. Huckabee is time for you to come clear. State your positions and let the American people decide!"
Despite the interest in Huckabee, Shaheen led him throughout much of the campaign and the three presidential debates did not change much. Shaheen and Huckabee remained on their talking points, though Huckabee did charge Shaheen for beginning the withdrawal from Afghanistan too soon.
However, by election night Shaheen was able to meet expectations and did win reelections, but by a much closer margin than most pundits had predicted. The charming Huckabee managed to win back Florida, West Virginia, Iowa and Nevada. Going into election most expected Shaheen to come out with at least a ten point win over Huckabee, but the election night results proved the polls were wrong. Huckabee came within spitting distance of Shaheen in the electoral and popular votes.
Shaheen: 277 (49.9%)
Huckabee: 261 (48.4%)
Close States:
Ohio:
Shaheen: 49.6%Huckabee: 49.0%
Pennsylvania:
Shaheen: 49.9%Huckabee: 48.7%
New Mexico:
Shaheen: 50.9%Huckabee: 48.5%
Iowa:
Huckabee: 50.0%Shaheen: 48.7%
Nevada:
Huckabee: 50.2%Shaheen: 48.8%
For the first time in more than fifty years the same party held onto the White House for more than twelve years. The longest being twenty years from 1933-1953, during the administrations of Roosevelt and Truman.
Having won reelection Shaheen headed into her second term still with Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, though as her second term got under way the grip held by the Democratic party was beginning to weaken...