Huckabee: Values Voters Important to GOP Future
Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee contends that his party must return to its social conservative roots and regain the strength of support from values voters it once enjoyed.
Huckabee, who was a favorite among social conservatives during the primary season, charged the GOP of neglecting values voters this election year and warned the party that it should reconnect with this key voting base before it defects the party.
"They (values voters) were welcomed to the family table two days a year, and that was the primary and Election Day," the former Arkansas governor said at a press conference Wednesday, according to Religion News Service. "I think there's a point of frustration and exasperation where people are saying, 'You know what? If you don't want us, just say so.'"
He also called for the GOP to return to traditional party platforms, such as defending life and marriage, instead of shying away from talking about it.
It would be "insane" of the Republican Party if they move away from these key issues as some moderate Republicans have suggested, Huckabee argued.
"It's been an important part of our overall message, which is that traditional values still reach many people in this country," he said regarding the marriage issue. "And I think the sanctity of life issue is still an issue that draws people to the Republican Party who otherwise might not necessarily feel that much of a loyalty. It's not that it's the only issue, but it's an issue that we have to be faithful to."
During his presidential campaign, Huckabee was an outspoken advocate of reversing Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that allowed abortion, and amending the constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman and thereby banning gay marriage.
While the former Arkansas governor's conservative views gained him support from many values voters, interestingly many Christian leaders chose to endorse another candidate who they felt was more electable.
The former candidate accused these leaders of compromising their values and principles for political pragmatism.
Recently, Huckabee released a new book entitled, Do the Right Thing: Inside the Movement That's Bringing Common Sense Back to America, which discusses the past and future of the Republican Party. He is currently on a tour across the country to promote his book.
