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Governor Mike Huckabee came to Hutchinson Wednesday for a fundraiser for Sen. Tim Huelskamp. At a press conference before the dinner, Huckabee explained why he's supporting Huelskamp over the plethora of other candidates in the race. Huckabee praised Huelskamp's stands, which he described as pro-life, supportive of Second Amendment rights, and as favoring less government and lower taxes.
The consistency between what Huelskamp says and how he votes "appeals to me," Huckabee said.
A voting record is a very important aspect of the first district race. Only two candidates in the race have a voting record, and only Sen. Huelskamp's has been consistently conservative, regardless of the next election.
Huckabee endorsed Huelskamp in February. But since then, other Republicans - Sue Boldra, Tracey Mann, State Sen. Jim Barnett and Monte Shadwick - have entered a race that also includes Rob Wasinger.
Huckabee, however, stood by his picks, saying there was no doubt where Huelskamp stood on issues and calling him "the real deal."
Turnout was apparently maxed out.Tickets to the fundraiser ranged from $100 to $2,000, and the dining room was filled to "fire capacity," according to one worker.
Sen. Tim Huelskamp was endorsed by the influential group Gun Owners of America earlier today. The group cited Huelskamp's strong second amendment record in the Kansas Senate as it's basis for making the endorsement.
“With the anti-gun forces on the march, it is more important than ever to elect Congressmen who have a proven track record of voting to defend the Second Amendment,” said Tim Macy, Vice Chairman of the Gun Owners of America. “Time and again, Senator Huelskamp has shown by his votes and his leadership that he is willing to take tough stands in defense of our Second Amendment right to bear arms. On behalf of Gun Owners of America, I am honored to make this endorsement.”
It's just another impressive endorsement from a wide range of conservative personalities and organizations that have lined up behind Sen. Huelskamp. In addition to support from national names like Mike Huckabee and Ken Blackwell, Huelskamp has also gained endorsements from former Kansas Speaker of the House Robin Jennison, former Kansas Gubernatorial candidate Ken Canfield, Kansans for Life, pro-marriage forces and taxpayer advocates. Today's GOA endorsement adds second amendment rights supporters to his repertoire.
GOA also highlights the most glaring difference among the six candidates in the first district race: a consistently conservative voting record. I'm sure it was refreshing for GOA to see a candidate running to his voting record rather than away from it. Or in the case of some first district candidates, trying to fabricate a 'voting record' out of thin air vis-a-vis their old job.
With such a broad coalition of supporters, Sen. Huelskamp's campaign looks stronger by the day.
Well, I found some WiFi and it's a good thing I did. "Tim Huelskamp is a rare breed of leader who boldly stands up for conservative principles -- and has a ten-year voting record to prove it."
That just part of the glowing endorsement Tim Huelskamp received earlier today from former Presidential candidate (and winner of the Kansas GOP caucus I might add) Mike Huckabee.There's only one reason these endorsements are being made this early: money. But as I look at what's happened so far, (Thompson, Blackwell, Huckabee) it's interesting to note that Huelskamp has sought well known Washington outsiders while Wasinger has gone after those that have spent their share of time in Washington. A very smart move.Huckabee continued with what I would call the recurring theme voters will hear from now until August 2010: I would not be supporting Tim if he were not 100 percent Pro-Life. Tim did not tell me he was pro-life, his record did. And let me assure you that whether you're talking about fighting for lower taxes, government transparency, or protecting the 2nd Amendment, Tim Huelskamp's conservative voting record is solid.
A record. Isn't that refreshing? And not a record to run from, but a record to run to. I am committed to doing what I can to help make sure he can bring those Kansas values to Washington, DC -- because we all know we have enough Washington values already. I hope you will join me in the fight for conservative values and support Tim Huelskamp for Congress."
So, not only does Sen. Huelskamp have more cash on hand and more Kansas donations, but he now has more prominent national endorsements (whether verified or anonymous), and thus more momentum and a better plan of attack than Rob Wasinger.
And he's now the only candidate with an endorsement that will actually translate into votes come August. The massive turnout of Kansas Republicans to vote for Mike Huckabee even though John McCain had virtually locked up the nomination should not be overlooked.
And he has a great voting record to back it all up.That's what I call a front runner.
More here and here and here.
