Mike Huckabee: Sleazy Behavior and Exploitation of Anti-Mormonism
This page highlights aspects of Mike Huckabee's record as former Governor of Arkansas, focusing on ethical lapses, dishonesty, and his use of religious bias, particularly anti-Mormon sentiments, for political gain. While no longer in public office or running for president, these issues reflect on his character.
Ethical Issues and Sleaziness
Huckabee's tenure involved multiple ethics investigations, acceptance of lavish gifts, and questionable appointments.
Gifts and Appointments: Huckabee accepted over 90 gifts worth more than $112,000 in one year from individuals he later appointed to state posts. These included boats, hunting trips, clothes, and services. Supporters and their families donated nearly $161,000 to his campaigns. Examples: Ronald Pierce loaned boats and gave gear; Huckabee appointed him to the Game and Fish Commission. Jennings Osborne gave over $60,000 in gifts; appointed to a university stadium commission. (Source: Politico analysis on Huckabee's gifts and state posts)
Campaign Cash and Self-Payments: The ethics commission fined Huckabee $1,000 for failing to report paying himself $14,000 as a media consultant in 1992 and $43,000 for plane use in 1994, obscuring ownership.
Governor’s Mansion Fund Misuse: Sued over claiming $70,000 in donated furniture as personal property and using a $60,000 fund for personal expenses like pizza, a doghouse, and pantyhose.
'Wedding' Registry Scandal: As leaving office, Janet Huckabee's friends set up registries for $7,000 in housewarming gifts, listed as "wedding" despite 30+ years married. Criticized by lawmakers; Huckabee blamed media.
Action America Nonprofit: Failed to disclose $23,500 from a nonprofit supplementing his income; paid him $41,500 total without timely IRS filings or donor disclosure.
Computer Drives Destruction: Spent $13,000 in state funds to destroy office hard drives upon leaving, raising suspicions despite claims of protecting sensitive data.
Pardons and Commutations: Granted clemency to dangerous felons based on pastoral recommendations, including rapist Wayne DuMond (who murdered after release) and murderer Glen Green (commutation rescinded after outcry). Released over 1,000 prisoners, many violent, often citing "jailhouse conversions."
Dishonesty and Lies
Huckabee has a pattern of misleading statements.
Huckabee Lies
Huckabee lies about Wayne DuMond.
Despite His Claims, Gov Huckabee Supported Special Tuition Breaks For Illegals
Huckabee Lies about being outspent by Romney
Huckabee lied about John Bolton agreeing to work with him on foreign policy.
Huckabee lied about speeking with former national security adviser Richard Allen.
Huckabee lied about most of the signers of the declaration of independence being ministers.
Huckabee lied about the need for his tax increase.
Huckabee lied about his fuel tax.
Huckabee lied about not knowing he was getting Tabacco money.
Huckabee lied about taking gifts while governor.
Taxes and Spending: Raised taxes significantly (net $505 million increase), increased spending 65%, yet claimed fiscal conservatism. Called anti-tax groups "Club for Greed."
Immigration: Called bill denying services to illegals "racist" and "un-Christian." Supported in-state tuition for undocumented students.
Exploitation of Anti-Mormonism
Huckabee played on religious prejudices, especially against Mormons, for political advantage.
Emphasized his "Christian leader" status in ads, implying others (like Mitt Romney) were insufficiently Christian.
Asked a reporter, "Don’t Mormons believe that Jesus and the devil are brothers?" – a dog-whistle to anti-Mormon sentiments.
Keynote speaker at an anti-Mormon conference in Salt Lake City.
Refused to release sermons, avoiding scrutiny of potentially divisive religious rhetoric.
Critics noted his campaign blended piety with Nixon-like nastiness, using faith to divide conservatives.
These behaviors show a pattern of sleaziness, using religion to manipulate and cover ethical shortcomings.
These beliefs are widely held and politically charged. They are listed here because they need rigorous pro/con analysis — not because I endorse them. Click to see both sides scored by evidence.
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