Michelle Malkin » Minuteman Project founder endorses Huckabee?!?!?!

Minuteman Project founder endorses Huckabee?!?!?!

By Michelle Malkin • December 11, 2007 01:16 PM

Strange bedfellows

Update: Here’s the official Huckabee campaign post on the endorsement.

A commenter there also notes:

Another positive sign is the fact that Roy Beck of NumbersUSA has changed several of his ratings for Governor Huckabee from “red” to “green” in response to his new immigration plan. This is a big turnaround from just a few days before, when Beck characterized the Governor as a “disaster” in the area of immigration.

Here’s the new Numbers USA grid:

We are entering Alice in Wonderland territory.

***
Yeah, you read it right–the founder of the border control group, the Minuteman Project, is endorsing open-borders-turned-expedient enforcement convert GOP candidate Mike Huckabee:

With Mike Huckabee’s record on immigration now the subject of negative television ads in Iowa, the candidate today embraced the endorsement of one of the most outspoken anti-immigration crusaders of recent times.

Jim Gilchrist, founder of the Minuteman Project, appeared with Gov. Huckabee at a news conference here, and said that after months of searching for a candidate, his organization has decided to endorse Governor Huckabee and his plan “to solve this illegal alien invasion problem.”

Asked if Mr. Gilchrist’s backing signaled a new “angry” approach to the problem of illegal immigration, Mr. Huckabee said, “I’m not angry with the people, I’m angry with the government.” He added, “I’m not angry that immigrants want to come here. I’m kind of flattered that people look at America as a place they’d like to be.”

Mr. Gilchrist’s organization has been criticized for a vigilante-style of intervention that includes the use of armed volunteers on the border. His volunteers have occasionally intercepted illegal border crossers, but more often raised the profile of a shadowy alliance of anti-immigrant advocates and far-right militia groups.

In today’s news conference Mr. Gilchrist seemed to try to moderate his group’s profile by describing it as a “multi-ethnic multi-racial law enforcement advocacy group.” He said “We believe in legal immigration of prescribed number of legal immigrants” who will contribute to national prosperity and who are “people with integrity and character.”

Mr. Huckabee said, I don’t agree with all of Jim’s positions on every issue, but that is the great thing about America.”He added, “What we’re agreeing on is that the problem needs to be fixed.”

Huckabee called the endorsement “providential.” I know many grass-roots immigration enforcement supporters will have far less kind words than that.

WaPo:

“Frankly, Jim I’ve got to tell you there were times in the early days of the Minutemen I thought what are these guys doing, what are they about,” Huckabee said. “I confess I owe you an apology.” He said of Gilchrist, “nobody can question his commitment to his country.”

Gilchrist, an ally of the candidate who has been most anti-illegal immigration in the GOP field, Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo, said his endorsement of Huckabee stemmed from the former governor’s recent statements on the issue, particularly a plan that Huckabee put out last week that would require illegal immigrants country in the country to go to their country of origin before trying to return. The plan also would build a border fence and increase fines on employers who hire illegal immigrants, similar to proposals offered by some of Huckabee’s opponents in the GOP nomination process.

“It was a plan I myself could have written,” said Gilchrist, who noted the Huckabee campaign reviewed the proposal with him before it was released.

A piece of paper, an empty promise, with nothing behind it.

No matter. Via Allahpundit, he’s running away with Iowa!

Posted in: Immigration, Mike Huckabee

Send to a Friend
Printer Friendly

comments (85)

trackbacks (19)

See what others have said

Note from Michelle: This section is for comments from michellemalkin.com's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that I agree with or endorse any particular comment just because I let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with my terms of use may lose his or her posting privilege.

Trackbacks

Trackback URL

Comments

#1

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:21 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

Further proof that these endorsements don’t require the endorser to research the endorsee.

Illegal Immigration and Mike Huckabee…

Jim Gilchrist, founder of the Minuteman Project, appeared with Gov. Huckabee at a news conference here, and said that after ~~months~~ minutes of searching for a candidate, his organization has decided to endorse Governor Huckabee and his plan “to solve this illegal alien invasion problem.”

Duncan Hunter 08′
#2

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:21 pm, taylork said:

. Gilchrist seemed to try to moderate his group’s profile by describing it as a “multi-ethnic multi-racial law enforcement advocacy group.”

Two Questions:
1) Who poisened this guy’s koolaid?
2) How much longer is this group going to stay relevant now?
#3

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:22 pm, walterc said:

I would have expected a Tancredo or Hunter endorsement from this group.

Must be confining their endorsement to “front runners” only. Save them the trouble of endorsing someone else in a couple of months when the field gets a little thinner.
#4

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:25 pm, thirteen28 said:

Wow, just wow.

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. Can anyone take Gilchrist seriously now? And what do the rank and file among the Minutemen have to say about this?
#5

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:27 pm, shooter said:

What can he possibly know that we don’t?
#6

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:29 pm, John Ansell said:

Huckabee’s stance on the illegals is the only reason I’m not voting for him.
#7

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:32 pm, Jaded said:

That’s ok because I will no longer donate to the Minutemen and I have requested they remove me from their email list.

they will reap what they sow.
#8

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:40 pm, Old Tanker said:

Is this where we get to say….

WTF???
#9

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:40 pm, Brian72 said:

Border Security and Immigration Reform Plan
In the post-9/11 world, immigration is much more of a national security issue. A government that cannot secure its borders and determine who may enter and who may not, fails in a fundamental responsibility. As we take steps to secure our borders and enforce our laws, we must also ensure that our immigration laws and policies advance our national interests in a variety of areas, and that the immigration process itself is as fair, efficient, and effective as possible.

How, is the suddenly reversed position of Huckabee on this issue any better than this detailed plan from Fred08.com?
#10

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:45 pm, Bob69 said:

Huckster is about as close to another J.Carter as is imagined. I don’t think our country is ready for another religious Southern Baptist with foreign policy views like his.
#11

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:45 pm, in_awe said:

Heaven help us if we start endorsing and voting based on promises when those promises are in direct opposition to actual past behaviors.

I believe that people (Huckabee) can change, but this is just a tad too convenient, too quick, smacks of a committee re-writing history via a campaign platform, and is not remotely believeable.

The Dems are licking their chops at the prospect of a Hillary or Obama vs Huckabee contest.
——–
After I wrote this, I previewed it and realized that these words are equally relevant to Huckabee, Romney, Giuliani, McCain…

I guess the best we can hope for is that these front-running candidates actually have seen the light and changed, cuz as it stands now it seems like a game of liar’s poker…sigh
#12

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:53 pm, uhangtight said:

OMG…help us, this can’t be. If Huck-Schmuck gets the nomination. I will not vote. Period. I cannot vote in all good conscience for this man. His FRUIT IS ROTTEN. In other words, as one Christian to another, I cannot judge his heart as to Christ, but I can judge his fruit. He has lied. Rotten Fruit.

What is wrong with People?

Liar’s poker is right. But as the official Christian Candidate.. ..????
Rotten Fruit.
#13

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:55 pm, DaMav said:

I’m hoping that Huckabee’s rise in the polls is primarily a function of Republicans not paying close attention to the candidates, their positions, and their electability. Good grief.
#14

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:57 pm, MrVIBEMAN said:

With Tancredo and Hunter both scoring ‘Good’ or better in EVERY category, and all the other candidates scoring at least 2 or more ‘Poor’s (not to mention the ‘Abysmal’s), how can anyone choose Huckster over Tancredo, Hunter, or even Thompson?

I still don’t understand why there isn’t more support for Hunter and Tancredo. Hunter even looks Presidential. I can’t believe Gilchrist chose Huckabee over Hunter. (Still in a state of shock, it that wasn’t readily apparent!)

Maybe there was a falling-out there, or something we’re not hearing about. Seems like a no brainer to me….
#15

On December 11th, 2007 at 1:58 pm, walterc said:

uhangtight said:
If Huck-Schmuck gets the nomination. I will not vote. Period. I cannot vote in all good conscience for this man.

With this attitude you might as well put a Clinton 08 bumper sticker on your car. A “stay away from the polls” vote is a vote for the Demoncrat.
#16

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:00 pm, jukin said:

Panderrefic!!
#17

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:01 pm, refinch said:

My first thought: How much did the Clintons pay Gilchrist for this?

My next…lets see how fast Minuteman splinter groups form. I’d definitely be abandoning the group if I’d paid my dues…which I considered doing several times and would have had there been a local chapter.

Now, there’s no way I would ever join. Nope. And I’m reconsidering my end-of-year gift to NumbersUSA.
#18

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:05 pm, Brian72 said:

Huckabee promotes ‘open door’ policy at LULAC convention
Thursday, Jun 30, 2005

By Wesley Brown
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK - In a impassioned speech before hundreds of influential Hispanic civil rights leaders from across the nation, Gov. Mike Huckabee told a captive audience Wednesday that America is great because it has always opened it doors up to people seeking a better way of life.

“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” Huckabee said, citing the Golden Rule. “I have tried to govern that way and it stands to reason that I really do believe that what made this great country so great and so unique is that it has always been a place for people to run to - and not run from.

“I would hope that no matter who we are, or where we are from, that America should always be a place that opens its arms, opens it heart, opens its spirit to people who come because they want the best for their families …,” Huckabee said as the largely Hispanic audience gave him a standing ovation.

Huckabee was the keynote speaker, along with Tyson Foods Inc. Chairman and CEO John Tyson, at a noon luncheon of the League of United Latin American Citizens, which is holding its 76th annual convention in Little Rock.

About 10,000 political, community and business leaders, along with exhibitors and speakers are in Little Rock attending the convention at the Statehouse Convention Center. The convention started Monday and runs through Saturday.

Although he never actually talked about the U.S. or Arkansas immigration policy, Huckabee made it very clear where he stood on the issue. In his opening remarks, he said the nation will need to address the concerns of the Hispanic community because of its growing influence and population base.

“Pretty soon, Southern white guys like me may be in the minority,” Huckabee said jokingly as the crowd roared in laughter.

He told the LULAC delegates that their presence in the state’s capital city was very important because Arkansas has one of the fastest growing Hispanic populations in the nation.

“Your gathering is so very significant for our state,” Huckabee said. “We are delighted to have you.”

Despite several light moments, Huckabee did not stray away from several controversial issues that made him a target of criticism during the recently ended 85th General Assembly. He said Arkansas needs to make the transition from a traditional Southern state to one that recognizes and cherishes diversity “in culture, in language and in population.”

“This is an issue that is going to require extraordinary efforts on both sides of the border, particularly those coming from Mexico,” Huckabee said of verifying the status of illegal aliens. “But I am confident that our government will recognize that we should accommodate people who wish to provide the best opportunities for their families (and) employers so that we can make sure our economy has the necessary work force.”

During the legislation session, Huckabee criticized an immigration bill by Republican senators Jim Holt of Springdale and Denny Altes of Fort Smith as un-Christian, un-American, irresponsible and anti-life.

Senate Bill 206, which died in the Senate, would have required proof of citizenship to register to vote and also force state agencies to report suspected cases of people living in the country illegally. Holt, R-Springdale, replied later to Huckabee’s comments that Christian charity does not include turning a blind eye to lawbreaking.

The Republican governor, who many believe will run for president in 2008, also backed legislation that would have opened the door for illegal immigrants in Arkansas to receive college scholarships.

House Bill 1525 by Rep. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, was approved by the House but eventually failed in the Senate. Huckabee reiterated Wednesday that he believes every child, regardless of their parent’s immigration status, should have an opportunity to receive an education in the U.S.

“I … believe that an education for every child is the most important single factor to give everyone to be their very best,” he said.

In one humorous moment, Huckabee sounded very much like a presidential candidate when he recalled his educational upbringing in Hope and reminded the crowd that another famous Arkansas governor and former president grew up in the small southwest Arkansas town.

“I too still believe in a place call Hope,” Huckabee said, mimicking former President Clinton’s famous acceptance speech at the 1992 Democratic National Convention.

Before Huckabee spoke, John Tyson thanked the Hispanic community for standing by the Springdale-based food giant during the federal government’s investigation of the company a few years ago. The U.S. Justice Department investigation alleged that Tyson helped to smuggle illegal aliens into the U.S. and employed them at various chicken-processing plants across the Southeast.

After a seven-week trial, Tyson and several managers of poultry processing plants were acquitted in March 2003 of those charges.

“At the time, it was a very difficult and very tough time for our company,” Tyson said. “Thank you LULAC for standing by us.”

Tyson also credited LULAC leaders for pushing the company to add Hispanics to the Tyson board and promote more Latinos to upper management and executive positions.

He also said in that last 15 years, the number of Hispanics that work for the Arkansas company has increased significantly.

“I am proud to tell you that more than 40,000 of our workers are Latinos,” Tyson said of the company’s 114,000 employees. “We are learning, growing and benefiting from that diversity.”

Copyright © Arkansas News Bureau, 2003 - 2006

Holy craptastic craptacular!

How much money has Tyson been feeding Huckabee?

I’m tired of his jokes. This is not funny to me.
#19

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:08 pm, davenp35 said:

I’m EXTREMELY disappointed in Gilchrist. If Gilchrist and the Evangelical leaders manage to get Huck nominated and then he loses big to Hillary, I will never forgive either one of them. Huck is clearly not the strongest candidate on immigration. Not even close! What are these people thinking who support Huckabee?!? He is a hugh fiscal liberal. The last Congressional election was a result of candidates stepping away from conservative values. A Huck nomination would be the final nail in the coffin.
#20

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:09 pm, AlohaGuy said:

…and in other news, Hillary Clinton today said her recent comments on sub-prime mortgages were a joke, and she thought borrowers should suck it up.
#21

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:09 pm, uhangtight said:

walterec, you got it, i am tired of the let’s vote for anything christian. even though i am a christian, i want them to get voted in on their political platform. as i stated, just cause you say you are a christian, doesn’t really mean that you are, right, so i leave God to judge your heart. but, God says I can judge you by your fruit.

so what is the difference if i let Hitlery win by not voting, well i see no difference between Hitlery and this Schmuck. They are one and the same to me, just one has an R behind them and the other has a D. i am not party loyal anymore. period.

these idiots get what they deserve if they select huck. huck is just as liberal as hitlery. and just as good a liar. the difference? i don’t see one.
#22

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:09 pm, Boomer said:

I just can’t get the words “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” out of my mind right now. How much was the founder of the minutemen paid by the Huckster for this endorsement?
#23

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:25 pm, steveegg said:

Boomer stole my comment, though I’d add “…Hotel is going on out there?!?!?” to it.
#24

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:29 pm, Papa Louie said:

Is Gilchrist endorsing Huckabee because of his politics or his religion? Enquiring minds want to know.
#25

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:33 pm, donnab13 said:

Huckabee…Hillary…
toss a coin. Odds are the same result.
The whole world has gone mad. Gilchrist
just sold his soul to the devil.
#26

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:39 pm, josetheguerilla said:

Minuteman Project founder endorses Huckabee?!?!?!

What you talking about Willis?
#27

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:40 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

What’s next the NRA endorsing Guiliani?

HA!!
#28

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:45 pm, Papa Louie said:

Huckster is about as close to another J.Carter as is imagined.

The same thought occurred to me this morning as I read a NYTimes article about Huckabee. Among other things, it stated the following:

The battle over Mr. Huckabee’s immigration record comes as his years as governor of Arkansas are drawing more scrutiny. On Monday, The Associated Press, in a review of Mr. Huckabee’s record on acts of clemency, found that he had granted 1,033 pardons and commutations in his 10 years as governor. This compares with 507 clemencies granted by his three predecessors in the 17 years they were in office.

Those who benefited included the guitarist Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, for a traffic offense; David Hale, a Whitewater government witness; and prisoners who critics say had a personal connection to Mr. Huckabee.

Pardons by Mr. Huckabee have become a hot campaign issue, especially as he has come under attack for his controversial role in paroling a rapist, Wayne DuMond, who later raped and killed another woman before being captured.

Are you kidding me? Mike Huckabee gave out far more pardons in Arkansas than Bill Clinton, the king of pardons? The second coming of Jimmy Carter, indeed.
#29

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:49 pm, rightisright said:

I cannot vote for a flipper that blows in the wind…as someone else said I will not and can not vote for this type of RINO, we have one of those now. Huckabee is a Liberal, I will vote for an off the wall party or write someone in, how about MM? Just fooling around Michelle, only a sign of my admiration for your writing.
#30

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:01 pm, Papa Louie said:

Can anyone give me the main negatives on Duncan Hunter? I’ve heard very little about him. I found a lot of things I liked when I skimmed through his web site, but I couldn’t find any red flags (or maybe I should say blue flags) to indicate Hunter is a RINO, other than the fact that he is from California. Am I missing something?
#31

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:03 pm, BOB said:

Huckabee’s replacement as Arkansas governor, Mike Beebe, is also controlled by Tyson’s, Walmart, etc., and refuses to do ANYTHING to assist the feds in fighting the illegal alien problem. He has effectively made Arkansas a “sancturary state”…and Huckabee left him with a good start on turning the state into a haven for illegals.
#32

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:07 pm, MrVIBEMAN said:

I’ve liked Hunter since I saw him in the first debate. I think his biggest problems are that he’s a Rep. and not a Senator, he has less money than any of the others, and I’m not sure how much International Politics experience he has.

I reviewed his voting record in the past at some point and liked what I saw. (can’t remember any details now) He’ll get my vote in the Primary.
#33

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:07 pm, MrVIBEMAN said:

If he’s still around…
#34

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:09 pm, orlandocajun said:

For the minutemen to endorse anyone other than Tancredo, Hunter or Thompson is an insult to all who have supported their efforts. In my mind, that endorsement diminishes everything that they stand for. He would have been better off endorsing no one.

Papa Louie…Hunter doesn’t have any negatives other than he doesn’t have the money/machine that the frontrunners have. The guy is a conservative in the mold of Reagan. I intend to vote for him. At least my conscience will be clear.
#35

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:13 pm, mlnicosia said:

Beck and Gilchrist will no longer be counting my dollars.
#36

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:14 pm, ctisa said:

I don’t understand what everyone is up in arms about. Every one of our candidates has a liberal history. There isn’t a true conservative in the group!

I voted for the president twice and he expanded government and left the borders wide open. Why can’t I believe that Huckabee might change?
#37

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:15 pm, AlohaGuy said:

but I couldn’t find any red flags (or maybe I should say blue flags) to indicate Hunter is a RINO, other than the fact that he is from California.

He’s from San Diego, which in California terms is redder than most. I too am doing more research on him and am thinking we need to get the word out in the early primary states.

Why does this support for Huckabee remind me of Harriet Miers?
#38

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:16 pm, fred5676 said:

Huck is toast on this issue. Now the Minutemen have lost all credibility. And maybe NumbersUSA, also. Deeds, gentlemen, DEEDS! Not platitudes.

Tanc deserves the endorsement on longevity on this single issue. Hunter comes in a close second - he actually got a fence built in San Diego, and has lots of support among legal (voting) Hispanics who want our laws enforced.

OT: How come nobody except Hunter is talking about the VAT loophole in GATT, contributing to our trade deficits and loss of industrial jobs?? He has been pounding on this for some time. Check out the history of the GATT exempting VAT since the time when only France had one, and since 1950’s 136 more countries (Europe, China, etc.) have added a VAT, leaving USA holding the bag. LBJ even complained about it, but we have done nothing to fix GATT.
#39

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:17 pm, Boomer said:

On December 11th, 2007 at 2:40 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:
What’s next the NRA endorsing Guiliani?

I hope not LOL I just joined the NRA last week. I would have to demand a refund. 30 pcs of silver you always make so much sense. Another reason I love conservative women.
#40

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:21 pm, LC said:

Look, we call all attack Huckabee in a desperate search for the “perfect” presidential candidate (who, by the way, doesn’t exist)….OR we can stand together, united around the best suited (Republican) candidate and get the man elected. And if anyone thinks they’re going to examine ANY candidate closely and not going to find something they don’t like, well, they’re living in a dream world. Huckabee, while obviously in a position where he has had to admit some mistakes in the past, is at least being honest about it. Every attack you may on a conservate man such as Huckabee is just more power you ultimately give to the moonbat libs. Think about this before you again go bashing one of your own…
#41

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:24 pm, mlnicosia said:

Email Gilchrist and let him have it:
century21minuteman@sbcglobal.net
#42

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:25 pm, mlnicosia said:

Fax Gilchrist and let him have it:
1-949-222-6607
#43

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:27 pm, fred5676 said:

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:01 pm, Papa Louie said:
Can anyone give me the main negatives on Duncan Hunter?

Only negatives I know of are single digit poll numbers and not enough money. I spent parts of 2 days listening and talking with Hunter in October. His son, just back from duty in Iraq and(!) Afghanistan, is now also running for office. Hunter is a Vietnam veteran, very strong on illegal immigration, and the only one talking about foreign trade. I had about 10 minutes one-on-one, in addition to 1/2 hour speech and 90 minute Q and A. He was very impressive. To make it easy to see him on issues, go here.
#44

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:36 pm, MTNEER said:

LC: If you want to vote for anyone who has the Big R behind his/her name, go ahead. I’d rather examine the candidate, their positions, and their records and then decide who is worth voting for. I won’t vote for any of the declared Democrat candidates because they are all uniformly leftist redistributionists. That does not mean I will vote for a liberal Republican.

BTW so far Duncan Hunter is looking like the best of the declared candidates.
#45

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:52 pm, birdlady79 said:

Anyone who is seriously considering REALLY needs to look at his history as Gov in Arkansas. Research all of the “gifts” he received throughout the years - where did the “outside” money he received for his “speaking engagements” while Lt. Gov in Arkansas come from? Secrets, secrets - our ol’ Huck has just as many as his nemesis B&HC….if a convicted felon mowed his grass and said “hi” to him they “deserved” a pardon….research, research people. The MSM certainly won’t.
#46

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:58 pm, twoninerkilo said:

I’m with Uhangtight; I wont vote for another RINO, maybe four years in the wilderness will knock a little sense into the GOP. You can’t act like Jimmuh and get elected by Conservatives. I’ll write in Hunter.
#47

On December 11th, 2007 at 4:00 pm, birdlady79 said:

And don’t forget - he provided the Mexican government a safe harbor in the State of Arkansas - for $1 / year rent. Then when he was caught, he helped them find a new home. Secrets, Secrets…..ol Huck is chock full of them. Mrs. Huck got it in her lil’ head that she too needed a little power and ran for office a couple years ago and promptly got “whupped”. Look at the chhhiiiiilllllddddren. Huck’s daughter is working tirelessly for his campaign - but what are the “boys” doing? I’ll bet they’re not “packin’ heat” while trying to board a plane now that daddy’s no longer ‘da Boss. Research, research people. Do we really want this kind of “gimme gimme” attitude in office? If he wins - watch for all the different ways he will find to make money “on the side”. He always does.
#48

On December 11th, 2007 at 4:03 pm, Desert Rat said:

Jim Gilchrist should hang his head in shame . . .

I could never have imagined he could do such a thing, the only candidates to consider for Gilchrist should be Tancredo or Hunter. Gilchrist and his organization are marginalized by the MSM anyway, why sell your soul to this soft hearted RINO?

It’s a damn shame
#49

On December 11th, 2007 at 4:15 pm, DirkBelig said:

The Dems are poised to nominate a criminal harridan, a smiling empty suit, or an ambulance chaser. All are pathetic and VERY beatable, but instead of being sensible, the Stupid Party is about to self-destruct in antics that will make people wistful for the good ol’ days when the likes of Bob Dole got nominated strictly because it was his turn.

As our nation is being invaded and sapped from within, one of the few folks standing up for our sovereignty was Gilchrist and his outfit. For him to suddenly embrace one of the most noxiously open borders candidates is a sign that one factor alone is animating these idiots: Jesus.

Huck is a “religious kook” and Romney is cult member (according to the Jesus-freak view), so principles got chucked in favor of religious brotherhood with Huck and bigotry against Mitt.

And we thought Pat Robertson cuddling up to the thrice-married, cheating, abortion-loving, gay marriage-supporting, Rudy G. was craven. I’m starting to agree with the view that the extreme religious folks are hijacking the party. While I’m not saying God must be banished from politics, this madness must stop!
#50

On December 11th, 2007 at 4:17 pm, Desert Rat said:

with lots of talk here about voting or not voting for a RINO, I’ll share one of my all time favorite quotes by one of the (almost) founding fathers:

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”
- John Quincy Adams
#51

On December 11th, 2007 at 4:17 pm, dukebedevilment said:

Romney and Thompson have strong records and good plans to tackle the illegal immigration problem. Giuliani has the plan, but lacks the record. McCain and Huckabee lack both.
#52

On December 11th, 2007 at 4:18 pm, Defector01 said:

I get teh feeling, and I hope I’m right, that Huckabee’s lead is teh same that Dean had before he blew up
#53

On December 11th, 2007 at 4:46 pm, Chief1942 said:

Not a “party animal” so I vote un-affiliated. If the Huckster gets the nod from the Repubs it is a no-brainer. My vote will be none of the above.
#54

On December 11th, 2007 at 4:56 pm, zorro said:

Definitely a trip through the looking glass.
#55

On December 11th, 2007 at 5:09 pm, Papa Louie said:

fred5676 said: Only negatives I know of [for Duncan Hunter] are single digit poll numbers and not enough money.

If those are the only negatives commenters can find on Hunter, I’m going to have to give him a look. Thanks for all your comments.
#56

On December 11th, 2007 at 5:11 pm, purplepeep said:

DirkBelig said:
Huck is a “religious kook” and Romney is cult member (according to the Jesus-freak view), so principles got chucked in favor of religious brotherhood with Huck and bigotry against Mitt.

Mormonism is far removed from the orthodox Christian faith, “cult” is a correct appellation. I’m not sure how you can complain about “religious bigotry” in the same sentence you attack “Jesus-freaks”.

There are plenty of reasons to dislike Huckabee, Romney or any candidate. Huckabee is just plain creepy and untrustworthy in my book. Mitt certainly moves like a politician, but he doesn’t have that Huckabee Jimmy-Carter creepiness.

Neither are anything to write home about.
#57

On December 11th, 2007 at 5:14 pm, purplepeep said:

Papa Louie said:
If those are the only negatives commenters can find on Hunter, I’m going to have to give him a look.

Hunter’s a good man, deserves much more consideration than the MSM allows.
#58

On December 11th, 2007 at 5:17 pm, dmartin said:

Huckabee’s stance on the illegals is the only reason I’m not voting for him.

Same here.
#59

On December 11th, 2007 at 5:21 pm, purplepeep said:

dmartin said:

Huckabee’s stance on the illegals is the only reason I’m not voting for him.

Same here.

It is really the only issue, in that if America is allowed to be destroyed from within all other issues become moot.
#60

On December 11th, 2007 at 5:25 pm, maisy said:

NO thanks to Hackabee!! His love of Illegals cost him my vote…Don’t know what the polls indicate…Maybe the entire country has gone loony!!!
#61

On December 11th, 2007 at 5:36 pm, orlandocajun said:

purplepeep, all other issues are not moot, but the Republican candidate can’t get this one wrong. Just ask John McCain.
#62

On December 11th, 2007 at 5:41 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

Thanks Boomer!

I would be devastated if that happened.
#63

On December 11th, 2007 at 5:42 pm, purplepeep said:

orlandocajun said:
purplepeep, all other issues are not moot, but the Republican candidate can’t get this one wrong. Just ask John McCain.

What I sez, Cajun, was if America is destroyed by the likes of a Huckabee no-borders candidate, then nothing else is of much importance. Isn’t that correct or ?
#64

On December 11th, 2007 at 6:07 pm, orlandocajun said:

Purplepeep, I misundertood you comment. Sorry.
#65

On December 11th, 2007 at 6:14 pm, Ombre Rose said:

This is truly a most bizarre Presidential campaign - pro-life leadership endorses Giuliani, Penticostal leadership have endorsed Mitt, McCain gets endorsement from union leadership, and now the Minutemen leadership endorses Huckabee, the most vehement of the open borders advocates???

Well, their endorsements don’t influence me for these politicians, although they do influence me regarding the amount of respect I have had for these leaders, and whether I have any left for them, ever again.

No, I won’t vote for the Socialist open borders advocate who fights for slave reparations for illegal aliens - Huckabee.
Neither will I vote for Rudi who despises Social structures like free elections and marriage, and live births. Nor will I vote for McCain or Fred - McCain Feingold Thompson, Gang of 14, and the Clinton impeachment voting.

I’ll stick with Duncan Hunter for the Primary, and I’ll prolly do a write-in for the General Election.
#66

On December 11th, 2007 at 6:34 pm, hawkeye54 said:

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:58 pm, twoninerkilo said:
I’m with Uhangtight; I wont vote for another RINO, maybe four years in the wilderness will knock a little sense into the GOP. You can’t act like Jimmuh and get elected by Conservatives. I’ll write in Hunter.

We all need to promote Hunter to friends and family. Give him your support and vote for him in the primaries to knock sense in the GOP machine.

We can’t wait until the November election. Giving the White House AND the congress to complete Democratic control probably means a much longer time in the wilderness for the GOP. I fear that the Democrats will make every effort to make GOP irrelevant. Not that the GOP leadership already isn’t workinbg on that themselves.
#67

On December 11th, 2007 at 6:38 pm, purplepeep said:

orlandocajun said:
Purplepeep, I misundertood you comment. Sorry.

No prob, o-cajun.
#68

On December 11th, 2007 at 6:47 pm, purplepeep said:

One of the more goofy things I’ve come across re:Huckabee -

“Governor Won’t Sign an ‘Acts of God’ Published: March 21, 1997
The Arkansas Legislature scrambled today to rewrite a bill intended to protect storm victims after Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Baptist minister, objected to language describing such natural phenomena as tornadoes and floods as ”acts of God.”

Mr. Huckabee said that signing the legislation ”would be violating my own conscience” inasmuch as it described ”a destructive and deadly force as being ‘an act of God.’” (NYT)
#69

On December 11th, 2007 at 7:17 pm, TexasPride said:

Maybe I missed something… but how is this an endorsement for the Huck? He’s still the only one listed as “fair.” With three other “good” ratings and an “excellent,” how exactly is this an endorsement?
#70

On December 11th, 2007 at 7:20 pm, DirkBelig said:

purplepeep said: Mormonism is far removed from the orthodox Christian faith, “cult” is a correct appellation. I’m not sure how you can complain about “religious bigotry” in the same sentence you attack “Jesus-freaks”.

I was using the terminology of the secular media - i.e. Rolling Stone’s portrayal of Huck as a “kook” and “nutjob”.

While you consider Mitt to be a cult member, remember the last “born-again Christian” we elected and what a pitiful failure he was on almost every front. And no, I’m not referring to Jimmy “Death to America! Death to Israel! Viva Arafat!” Carter.
#71

On December 11th, 2007 at 7:49 pm, Alphonse said:

G.O.P. Voters Are Uninspired by Candidates
By ADAM NAGOURNEY and MEGAN THEE

Three weeks before the Iowa caucuses, Republicans voters across the country appear uninspired by their field of presidential candidates, with a vast majority saying they have not made a final decision about who to support, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll.
#72

On December 11th, 2007 at 7:58 pm, a crapweasel said:

Let me get this right. The Minutemen are endorsing a candidate who is for open borders and who thinks the INS is still around?
#73

On December 11th, 2007 at 8:22 pm, purplepeep said:

DirkBelig said:

purplepeep said: Mormonism is far removed from the orthodox Christian faith, “cult” is a correct appellation. I’m not sure how you can complain about “religious bigotry” in the same sentence you attack “Jesus-freaks”.
I was using the terminology of the secular media - i.e. Rolling Stone’s portrayal of Huck as a “kook” and “nutjob”.

While you consider Mitt to be a cult member, remember the last “born-again Christian” we elected and what a pitiful failure he was on almost every front. And no, I’m not referring to Jimmy “Death to America! Death to Israel! Viva Arafat!” Carter.

Not talking about Romney, Dirk. Just stating that Mormonism’s rejection of orthodox Christian faith and the substituting of their own rather unique beliefs for orthodoxy does indeed define it as a “cult”. I don’t know that anyone could argue otherwise.

Fortunately I believe Mitt’s primary “religion” is that of politics and Mormonism doesn’t factor in anymore than Catholic faith stopped JFK from his daliances with Marilyn Monroe. Romney isn’t the best of the lot, but we could do a lot worse - e.g. Huckabee, who’s an idiot and, if not a “kook”, certainly very goofy. I’m sure Huckabee would be just as goofy and creepy if he were an atheist or a Buddhist. Looney is as looney does.
#74

On December 11th, 2007 at 8:48 pm, hunkahillbilly said:

So Michelle…when does the Minutemen-bashing start?

Will it begin here…or over at HA?
#75

On December 11th, 2007 at 9:03 pm, hunkahillbilly said:

BTW, if Ace is going to vote for Hillary if Huckabee is nominated…doesn’t that make him an elitist bastard?

After all, because he has a big blogroll and gets lots of visitors…he should be able to make our decisions for us right? If not…he’ll just f8ck it up for the rest of us, right? You know…the rest of us LOYAL GOPers who will…in the end…vote for the Republican nominee whoever it proves to be.

You connected-type bloggers need to check your elitism just a bit. You’re losing credibility with…it is becoming clear..the majority of the GOP.

Take a step back and consider Ace’s assinine declaration.
#76

On December 12th, 2007 at 12:10 am, CCGuy said:

This defies all logic.

The Huckster is a conman. He has repeatedly lied about his past actions in favor of illegals and I don’t trust him.

Fred Thompson & Duncan Hunter ‘08
#77

On December 12th, 2007 at 12:18 am, Ombre Rose said:

On December 11th, 2007 at 3:07 pm, MrVIBEMAN said:
I’ve liked Hunter since I saw him in the first debate. I think his biggest problems are that he’s a Rep. and not a Senator, he has less money than any of the others, and I’m not sure how much International Politics experience he has.
I reviewed his voting record in the past at some point and liked what I saw. (can’t remember any details now) He’ll get my vote in the Primary.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

He’s a Vietnam Vet, NOT a Manchurian Candidate, and is endorsed by Chuck Yeager, especially on military matters.

That is better quals than anyone else on BOTH parties, for foreign policy.
#78

On December 12th, 2007 at 12:21 am, Ombre Rose said:

To LC, Post #40.

No. Not rallying round HUCKABEE.

If you wanna rally round Duncan Hunter… I’m available.
#79

On December 12th, 2007 at 12:30 am, Ombre Rose said:

On December 11th, 2007 at 7:17 pm, TexasPride said:
Maybe I missed something… but how is this an endorsement for the Huck? He’s still the only one listed as “fair.” With three other “good” ratings and an “excellent,” how exactly is this an endorsement?

It was in what Gilchrist SAID. He did endorse Huckabee.

How did you miss the flip flop FLIP on the immigration issue? I heard he recanted this NEW SECURE BORDERS stance just on SUNDAY!

Last May, Huckabee was preaching to TEENS about how giving ILLEGAL ALIENS their “EARNED” CITIZENSHIP could potentially lead to a vote that would reverse Roe V Wade.

He thinks the Latin VOTE will vote “FAMILY VALUES” and it never has YET occurred to him that for ILLEGALS, that translates into ENTITLEMENTS BENFITS - NOT abortion debates.

If you ask me, his “PRINCIPLED” CORE VALUE stance is going to be FOR the BENEFIT of ILLEGAL ALIENS, no matter how desperate he is to get that office and thus say whatever is convenient to that goal, from time to time.
#80

On December 12th, 2007 at 2:52 am, deepdiver said:

I could definitely get behind a Thompson/Hunter ticket in 08.

That Guiliani or Huckabee are where they are in this race just shows how far the GOP has fallen on oh so many levels.
#81

On December 12th, 2007 at 3:10 am, DirkBelig said:

How bizarre is it when evangelicals are supporting Huck on the basis of one thing - he’s extremely religious…or so they think - while the frigging HUFFINGTON POST is doing the due diligence on his Willie Horton problem?

This doesn’t even count the bigotry against a Mormon named Mitt Romney that doesn’t seem to be applied against Harry Reid. Are Mormons evil cultists as purplepeep contends or are they leaders of government as they apparently allowed to be if they possess the proper anti-American, defeatist bona fides?

And purplepeep, here’s where I don’t roll with this sectarian Christian infighting: Don’t most of the major brand religions believe in similar things? Namely, a single Almighty God/Jehovah/Yahweh/Allah/Jah who sits atop the org chart of entirety? Beyond that, it’s all semantics. One brand believes in married and female clergy while another harbors closeted homosexual pedophiles, etc. I knew an old-timer who disowned his daughter for the unforgivable sin of marrying a Catholic when they were Baptist.

When there are 100+ million jihad-friendly Muslims seeking to annihilate Western civilization and turn the clock back to the 8th Century, to choose a schmuck like Huck because his religion isn’t based on mystic underwear and magic rocks is the height of unseriousness. Seriously.

BTW, how sad is it that some of the most concise information on religion can be found on “South Park”?
#82

On December 12th, 2007 at 7:58 am, PurpleHaze said:

It looks like the government is playing games with the American people again:

http://www.firesociety.com/article/19402/?src=105
#83

On December 12th, 2007 at 9:23 am, md1964 said:

Gilchrist has lost his mine.. I am in Arkansas and we are OVERRUN with illegals..and Huck wants even more illegals to get perks to help Soothe his personal White Guilt, and has fought EVERY attempt the State has tried to deal with the problem.
#84

On December 12th, 2007 at 12:53 pm, Mark Jaquith said:

That Numbers USA chart is screwed up. It gives some candidates more weight on their record, and others more weight on their rhetoric. And for legal immigration, it completely goes off the deep end. First off, it regards anti-immigration policies as good. So, it promotes isolationism and nativism. Second, it talks about current stances towards legal immigration as it exists now. Legal immigration and illegal immigration are intertwined. You can’t assume that a candidate who strongly opposes illegal immigration would maintain their current stance on legal immigration were illegal immigration appropriately curbed. For instance, they rated Ron Paul “good” on legal immigration (apparently meaning he opposes it). But Paul’s stance is more nuanced than that. Paul believes that if we could secure our borders and reduce incentives for net-negative immigrants by eliminating the welfare state, legal immigration wouldn’t be a problem, because the people coming here would be people who want to work and make their own way, and they’d be making America better.

Seriously though, Numbers USA promotes “protecting Americans” from labor “competition.” That’s a liberal idea if I’ve ever heard one. So forget them. If you want a candidate who will stand up against illegal immigration (while working towards non-amnesty reforms of legal immigration) and has the record and the historical rhetoric to prove it, vote for Thompson, Paul or Hunter. They’re not frontrunner candidates, but they’re the ones with the right stance on the issue. If you want to close our borders to illegal immigrants and reduce legal immigration for cultural reasons, Tancredo is your man. The others are too weak or too untrustworthy on the issue.

Gilchrist made a political decision. None of the candidates with strong immigration positions are frontrunners — Paul and Thompson are battling over fourth or fifth place along with John McCain. Hunter and Tancredo aren’t even registering on the national radar.
#85

On December 12th, 2007 at 2:48 pm, Barry F. said:

Has anyone else received this e-mail blast from the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (MCDC) that I have posted below?

No National Minuteman Group has endorsed Mike Huckabee.

One individual Minuteman has personally endorsed him.

For the sake of clarity, it is important to note that the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (MCDC), the nation’s largest Minuteman organization, is a 501(C)4 non-profit organization and cannot and does not endorse any candidate for public office. MCDC is not associated with Mr. Jim Gilchrist, who today endorsed Mike Huckabee for president.

Jim Gilchrist’s erstwhile Minuteman Project is itself an organization which by its own representations as a non-profit civic group cannot legally endorse candidates. It does not have any volunteers who observe illegal border activity. It has no border fence building projects. Jim Gilchrist here speaks only for Jim Gilchrist, he does not speak for the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, nor is he nationally representative of most patriots in the “Minuteman movement” – who under no circumstances could ignore the failed record nor endorse the duplicitous “plan” recently rolled out by candidate Mike Huckabee. The national media needs to recognize that Jim Gilchrist’s endorsement is his own personal statement, nothing more.

The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps emphasizes policy dealing with national border security. The only “plan” to ensure border security that is acceptable to our constituency would be a candidate policy statement declaring that his first act as President will be to hold a press conference and announce to the American people an executive order to immediately deploy and fund 30,000 National Guard personnel to the U.S. Borders (25,000 to the southern border and 5,000 to the northern border) to complement a massive increase in U.S. Border Patrol Agent field personnel, and a bilateral effort to secure our frontiers, smash the drug cartels, shut down the human smugglers and protect the public safety of the citizens who reside along the borders on both sides of our national boundaries.

Unlike this last-minute opportunism attempted by Huckabee, many of the other GOP presidential candidates have actually helped push the issue of national border security forward for some time. Tom Tancredo’s many years of hard work on the border crisis and illegal immigration issues have all the candidates striving to sound like him. Duncan Hunter can take personal credit for getting the highly effective San Diego border fence built. Ron Paul has been to the border with us first hand and aggressively pushed positive border legislation. Alan Keyes has done more than anyone to support the organizational development of MCDC, and personally participated in the Minuteman Border Fence Groundbreaking – advancing a citizen’s construction effort which has forced Congress to finally get the Feds building physical border fence.

Only one Minuteman group is conducting regular multi-state border security efforts, building fence and aggressively monitoring Washington DC: Minuteman Civil Defense Corps. We would like to extend an invitation to all the presidential candidates, Republican and Democrat, to come to the border and see what is really happening on our nation’s frontier. Not to take the safe little government photo-op helicopter ride, but see the lay-up sites full of trash and debris. See the rape trees. See the violent crime in the border towns. Walk on the pathways of destroyed environmental terrain trampled by tens of thousands of invading foreign migrants. See what the American elites’ support of broken borders, unfettered illegal immigration and sanctuary cities is doing to our fellow Americans who live on our borderlands, and how these failed policies imperil our nation’s safety, security and prosperity.

With your support MCDC continues to make Border Security and Illegal Immigration a national priority that must be resolved. Now more than ever we need your help to continue the fight.

OK my friends, I think this will do it -now spread my words far and wide!

Volunteer NOW - Donate NOW!

YOU can make a REAL DIFFERENCE. So, for your sake, for the sake of your children, your grandchildren, and for generations to come, please help MCDC continue its fight to protect and preserve the United States of America and defend our Constitution.

Sincerely for these United States,

Chris Simcox, President
Minuteman Civil Defense Corps