Mike Huckabee
Officially dropped out of the race: March 4, 2008
Early years? Born in Arkansas, Mike Huckabee’s first encounter with politics came at the young age of 17 when he became governor of the Arkansas Boy’s State, a summer leadership program sponsored by the American Legion. Huckabee graduated in a swift two-and-a-half years from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas, and then went on to study theology.
Did you know? Before jumping into the political realm, Huckabee pastored several southern Baptist churches.
Political years? Huckabee was sworn in as governor of Arkansas after the prior governor, Tucker, resigned because of a felony conviction. During Huckabee’s time as Arkansas governor between 1996 and 2007, one of the first pieces of legislation to pass Huckabee’s desk was called ARKids First, a health insurance program that gave coverage to uninsured Arkansas children.
Hot issues? Immigration, the Iraq war, and foreign policy rank at the top of Huckabee’s priority list.
Photo courtesy of Danny Harris/Mike Huckabee for President