Huckabee's Past A Campaign Breaker?
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
Iowa. Less than a month from now the voters go to the polls to caucus. And the overnight sensation from Arkansas has a problem.
Mike Huckabee has shot to the top of the Republican polls. But, Huckabee -- good on the stump, glib in the debates -- was in favor of paroling a convicted sex offender when he was the governor of Arkansas.
Right-wingers in his state were screaming for the creep's release because they said the only reason he was in jail was because he raped a cousin of Bill Clinton. Can't make this up, folks.
Well, the criminal was released, killed one woman, and probably killed another. This kind of thing does not look good on a résumé. And while Huckabee is basking in the light of his front-runner status, only a detailed and honest explanation of his involvement in the parole will give him a chance to move on with his candidacy.
We in the news business love underdogs and the candidates who come from behind. Let's face it: it makes good copy. The more alluring storyline is the one about a fall from grace.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.