This is interesting primarily because it’s the first documented instance of “negative campaigning” by the Texas Congressman:
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Two former Republican legislators from Mike Huckabee ’s home state are in Iowa this week criticizing Huckabee’s record on immigration and taxes on trips paid for by Ron Paul, one of Huckabee’s Republican presidential rivals.
Paul’s campaign said Thursday it was paying former Sen. Jim Holt and former Rep. Randy Minton about $5,000 each to go to Iowa for a series of radio interviews criticizing Huckabee’s 10 1/2 years as Arkansas governor.
“We just want to make sure Iowans get the full picture of what Governor Huckabee did when he was in office,” said Paul’s campaign spokesman, Jesse Benton.”There hasn’t been a whole lot of information going out.”
To counter the criticism, Huckabee brought in a group of longtime Arkansas supporters to defend his record.
It’s interesting, though not surprising, that Paul’s campaign is choosing to focus on Huckabee to the exclusion of the other candidates. Huckabee is the frontrunner in Iowa, after all.
And one other note. I am not one of those people who thinks that so-called negative campaigning is a bad thing. Bringing to light your opponents voting record, or something they’ve written or said in the past, is not a bad thing — it’s what democracy is all about. A campaign with no comparison ads, or no “negative campaigning”, would consist of little more than candidates repeating, unchallenged, their talking points and platitudes.
One of the great things about the American political system is the fact that we don’t have the limits that other countries do. Far from being upset when I see a “negative” campaign ad — whether it’s directed at a candidate I oppose or one I support — I am glad to live in a country where freedom of speech exists.
December 14th, 2007 at 6:58 am
Hello Fellow Freedom Fan,
As you know a movement has ignited in this country behind presidential candidate Ron Paul, bringing the issues of Liberty to the forefront of politics today. This is a new momentum that all of us must take advantage of in helping get Libertarians, Republicans, Constitutionalists and other Liberty minded candidates into offices to change the course of this country. We must also inform the uninformed on the many issues surrounding Liberty, Individualism, Austrian Economics, and the US Constitution.
So Please join the Liberty Independence Alliance
http://libertyia.ning.com
- Many videos on Libertarian topics to use to educate new people
- a grassroots social network to mobilize voters, we encourage people to start groups for their congressional district
- Media Contests, featured conversations in the forums, and blogging
Join us, and if all of us can do our part to mobilize every Congressional District in this countrys change will be coming very very soon.
- Alex Merced
Founder of the Liberty Independence Alliance
http://causeoffreedom.blotspot.com
December 15th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
To the people of Iowa. Before you cast a vote for Preacher Huckabee make sure you know the man. Look long and hard into his past. Why did he have harddrives from all computers destroyed when leaving office? Was he hiding something, if so what. Would he have a transparent administration if elected to the Whitehouse or would it be more hide and seek just as the Clintons had. Which candidate is and has always been free of scandal. Take a look at Mitt Romney and please don’t waste a vote of Huckabee.
December 15th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
To the people of Iowa. Before you cast a vote for Preacher Huckabee make sure you know the man. Look long and hard into his past. Why did he have harddrives from all computers destroyed when leaving office? Was he hiding something, if so what. Would he have a transparent administration if elected to the Whitehouse or would it be more hide and seek just as the Clintons had. Which candidate is and has always been free of scandal. Take a look at Mitt Romney and please don’t waste a vote for Huckabee.