Huckabee Accuses Romney of "Voter Suppression"

By: Joy Lin
Topics: Mike Huckabee

(CBS)

From CBS News' Joy Lin:

CHATTANOOGA, TENN. -- Mike Huckabee accused Mitt Romney of dirty politicking at a morning rally today, suggesting that Romney is telling voters that a vote for Huckabee is a vote against Romney.

On Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes" last Thursday, Romney said: "I
think most people recognize that a vote for Mike Huckabee is a vote for
John McCain, and if they want John McCain as their nominee, why, that's
exactly what that vote would do."

Today, Huckabee responded: "I know Mr. Romney has been trying to do a little voter suppression by telling people a vote for me is really a vote for John McCain."

"Let me tell you something, a vote for me is exactly what it is - a vote for me. A vote for somebody who hasn't just decided this year where he stands on the second amendment. ... It's a vote for somebody who knows where he stands on the sanctity of life. It's somebody who knows where he stands on the federal marriage amendment. ... It's somebody who knows where he stands on the Reagan legacy and the Bush tax cuts and hasn't changed his opinion."

Speaking to reporters after the event, Huckabee defended his use of the word "voter suppression."

"If you try to discourage people from voting for somebody, what else would you call it?" he asked, not apologizing for making such an accusation.

"Isn't voter suppression where you try to keep people from voting a certain way? By anybody's definition, if the goal of saying certain things or doing certain things is to discourage a person's voters, can anyone tell me otherwise? Isn't that voter suppression -- suppressing the vote, pushing it down, keeping people from feeling comfortable going and making the vote. I think that's exactly what we're seeing."

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by becauseicare February 5, 2008 2:44 AM EST: Will the people who continue to claim that Mitt Romney is a liberal please actually look at his record!?! His mandated health insurance plan makes a lot of sense. We are mandated to have car insurance -whether or not we can afford it! His health insurance plan forces people who can afford health insurance buy it instead of using the emergency room as a doctor visit! I''m tired of footing the bill for these people. His plan also helps people who can''t afford it purchase it. He has said no more free rides - it demands personal responsibility - it''s the only plan actually put into place. Others keep talking but Mitt got it done! Will Huckabee supporters ask themselves why Huckabee continues to attack Romney, many times with false accusations - while he plays nice with McCain? He is vying for VP and there shouldn''t be any doubt. He has NO integrity! Mitt is the man we need.; Reply to this comment


by giantrobot2 February 5, 2008 12:48 AM EST: *** ALERT ****

Tony Perkins and James Dobson of FRC (Family Research Council) value voters guide that I just received today clearly shows they are supporting Mike Huckabee for President.

Out of all the questions they asked of Republicans and Democrates, Mike Huckabee scored 100% in all questions.

It also shows that Mitt Romney''''s liberal positions are still showing through him in the questioning.

It says Mitt Romney supports human cloning and embryo destruction. Plus it says Mitt Romney would vote for passage to water down the Federal Marriage act of 1996.

Plus it says Mitt Romney will vote to allow passage of law that allows the Government to take away private land of it''''s citizens whenever it wants to.

Do Republicans want a liberal like Mitt Romney running our party or a true conservative like Mike Huckabee running our party?

It''''s clear that Tony Perkins and Dr. James Dobson are supporting conservative Mike Huckabee in the value votes results I just received today.

If you are a conservative who has admired what Tony Perkins and Dr. James Dobson has down for the nation, please go vote tomorrow for Mike Huckabee who they are clearly showing they are supporting.; Reply to this comment


by hthalljr February 4, 2008 9:02 PM EST: I loved Romney''s deft response to Huckabee and wonder how CBS News missed it.

"First a couple of rules in politics. One, no whining. And Number 2, you get them to vote for you. And so I want them not to vote for Mike Huckabee and not to vote for John McCain and to vote for me. %u2026 That''s not voter suppression. That''s known as politics. I want people to vote, but I want them to vote for me."

http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/04/romney-to-huckabee-quit-your-whining/

Tracy Hall Jr
hthalljr''gmail''com; Reply to this comment


by stocks05-2009 February 4, 2008 8:31 PM EST: I go to Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. Mike Huckabee and his celebrity friend Chuck Norris came to Macon for a political rally (2/3.08). After attending the rally and reading this article, I must say Huckabee is guilty of his own accusation "voter suppression." He told everyone, "I hope you vote for me, and if you do not decide to vote for me I hope you will stay home." He also encouraged people to prevent others from voting for anyone else by means of "deflating the air out of their tires...etc". Baseless allegations typically do not immediately come back and bite someone in the butt, but Mr. Huckabee has proven me wrong.; Reply to this comment


by politicookie February 4, 2008 6:38 PM EST: Does anyone remember when Huckabee said this?

And I''ve said, if you''re going to vote for me, don''t let anything keep you from it. If you''re not going to vote for me, don''t even show up.

(LAUGHTER)

If you know somebody that''s not going to vote for me, let the air out of their tires Saturday.

It was at his Michigan Primary Speech and you can find the transcript here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/us/politics/15text-huckabee.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Now who has been talking about voter supression?

I am a Christian too, and I''m trying to have Christian feelings towards Huckabee. Things he says and does like this nearly drive me crazy.

Good thing there is someone worth voting for out there, Romney''s got my vote tomorrow.

GO MITT!!!; Reply to this comment


by dannymyers2 February 4, 2008 5:49 PM EST: Conservatives support Mitt Romney. Huckabee merely want''s to be McCain''s VP... how conservative is that? McCain is running on the promise to once again "reach across the isle". Wow, what a surprise! Do Republicans really want someone who will cave in to Democrats and abandon conservatives for the nth time? That''s John McCain all over. Just ask John Kerry.

Mitt Romney is the only conservative choice for President.; Reply to this comment


by ClubbieTim February 4, 2008 5:46 PM EST: Mrsmarrero you probably don''t understand economics, but let''s put health insurance in terms of car insurance and driving with an uninsured motorist - what happens if they get in a wreck? Big problems...

Health care is all the same, but even more costly than in a car wreck. If only half of the drivers had insurance, then those drivers costs would be 4x times...

This is from the wallstreet journal on the economics...
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110008213

Madam, go get that GED and then you may be able to understand what an economy of scale is (and those big words in the wsj)...Until then quit making yourself sound any
dumber...

=================================

Will someone please explain why Huck is attacking the second place candidate if he''s trying to win the presidency?; Reply to this comment


by dvdwinters February 4, 2008 5:45 PM EST: Huckabee, stop whining. If you''re in the race, then act like it by attacking McCain who is clearly the frontrunner at this point. If you''re only serving as McCain''s minion, then I would join thousands of others in requesting that you step aside so conservative principles can win by nominating Mitt Romney.; Reply to this comment


by supernovia-2009 February 4, 2008 5:22 PM EST: Mrsmarrero - they are required to pay for their own health care if they can afford it. As opposed to a plan that lets them go to a hospital and leave the bill on taxpayers doorsteps.; Reply to this comment


by supernovia-2009 February 4, 2008 5:18 PM EST: Huck is behind. The only reason he''s staying in the race is because he thinks it''ll keep Mitt out of the white house.; Reply to this comment