Former Arkansas Gov. Huckabee Launches Presidential Campaign, Discusses Views On Abortion

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) on Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" announced he would run for the Republican presidential nomination and discussed his views on abortion rights and other issues, the New York Times reports (Toner, New York Times, 1/29). Huckabee, who is a Baptist minister and former president of the Arkansas Southern Baptist Convention, earlier this month said he is "unquestionably solid" in his opposition to abortion rights (Lawrence, USA Today, 1/29). "Meet the Press" host Tim Russert on Sunday asked Huckabee why he has said that he would have signed a South Dakota measure, which was rejected in November 2006 by South Dakota voters and would have banned all abortions in the state except to save the life of the pregnant woman. Huckabee said he would always "err on the side of life," adding, "[T]his is a debate that's been so divisive, and what we really need to be doing is having the discussion center around how can we create a culture where people value and celebrate life." He said, "I think those of us in the pro-life movement, we have to do also some growing and expanding. We have to remind people that life, that we believe it begins at conception. It doesn't end at birth. And if we're really pro-life we have to be concerned about more than just the gestation period," noting that as governor he signed into law legislation that would protect children's health. In response to a question on whether he would seek to ban abortion as president, Huckabee said, "I would seek always to promote the view that life is precious and should be protected. Would I be able to singularly do that? Of course not. But I think it has to be won on, on a battlefield of one heart at a time rather than pieces of legislation at a time" (Russert, "Meet the Press," NBC, 1/28). According to USA Today, Huckabee will face competition from former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) and Sens. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) in securing votes from religious conservatives (USA Today, 1/29). According to the Los Angeles Times, Huckabee's position on abortion could detract his standing among moderate voters (Serrano, Los Angeles Times, 1/29).

Video of the interview is available online. A transcript of the complete broadcast also is available online.

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