FACEBOOK POSTING  (see also...Feb. remarks from Mike Huckabee)
Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 5:56pm
Statement From Mike Huckabee

The pundits and members of the political class who have spoken with certainty about my decision to run or not for President in 2012 are amusing if not amazing to think that they knew what even I didn’t know until late this week.   The past few months have been times of deep personal reflection.  Even though I wasn’t actively establishing a campaign organization or seeking financial support to run again, polls have consistently put me at or near the top to be the Republican nominee.  When possible candidates were discussed in the media and despite polls that showed me in the lead, my name would often go unmentioned while a candidate barely registering single digits was touted as a “front-runner.”  I found comfort that the nomination would not be made by commentators, columnists, or consultants, but by the rank and file voters in the Republican primary, and their support is strong and has been growing.
 
Concerns that I had about raising the necessary funds to be competitive or being able to win in states outside the South were answered when signs of strong financial support materialized and when polls showed me winning in states like Pennsylvania, Maine, and even New Jersey.  That kind of shattered the notion that I was only a regional candidate or only supported by social conservatives. 
 
I had not done much toward a race because my life was filled with work that I truly love here at Fox News, doing radio commentaries on my daily Huckabee Report on 600 radio stations, traveling the country for speaking engagements, and helping good conservative, pro-life candidates who were running for office.  Other people probably thought about it more than I did.
 
I don’t have an issue with my family being supportive.  My wife actually encouraged me to do it, despite knowing full well it would subject her and the rest of the family to brutal and savage personal attacks.  My adult children have also made it clear they would be with me no matter what.
 
When people asked me what it would take for me to run, I would tell them the same thing---pray for me to have clarity in the decision.  I don’t expect everyone to understand this, but I’m a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.  That relationship is  far more important to me than any political office.  For me, the decision is ultimately not a political one, a financial one, or even a practical one ---it’s a spiritual one. 
 
The past few weeks, the external signs and signals and answers to many of the obstacles point strongly toward running.  When I am with people encouraging me to run, it’s easy to feel the strength of their partnership and commitment to help me to the finish line.  Only when I was alone, in quiet and reflective moments did I have not only clarity, but an inexplicable inner peace—a peace that exceeds human understanding.  All the factors say GO, but my heart says NO.  And that is the decision I have made and in it have finally found resolution.  I don’t fully understand it myself—but I’m sure the pundits will.  But I know that under the best of circumstances, being President is a job that takes one to the limit of his or her human capacity.  For me, to do it apart from an inner confidence that I was undertaking it with God’s full blessing is unthinkable.  I can’t know or predict the future, but I know for now my answer is clear and firm.  I will not seek the Republican nomination for President this year.  I will gladly continue doing what I do and helping others in their campaigns for Congress, governorships, and other positions.  I’ll certainly give more detail about this decision in due time and especially to those who have faithfully and so sacrificially been part of the process.   I know I will deeply disappoint many people I love.  So many good and dear people have put forth extraordinary effort without any assurance I would mount a campaign.  It pains me to let them down.   I also know my decision will delight just as many who aren’t that fond of me.  I am eternally grateful for the faithful support of my wife, children and real friends who promised to stand with me no matter what.  I had come to believe I would be in the race for President.  I won’t be.  But I will for sure be re-dedicating myself to standing for and communicating the principles of common sense, Constitutional government, and civil discourse that I believe are critical to the survival of our great Republic.  From New York, This is MH, goodnight God bless, and I’ll be back next week.


Ed. Although Huckabee didn't know until last week there were quite a few signs that he was unlikely to run, notably his seeming happiness with his current activities and the fact that key people from his 2008 campaign had signed on with other hopefuls (for example Eric Woolson and Wes Enos in Iowa and Cliff Hurst in New Hampshire).  For supporters this will no doubt be disappointing.  For example, Stuck On Huck, launched by Dan and Dave Davidson in Iowa on April 1, had been engaging in activities such as a weekly online radio show and publishing an e-book "More Than 57 Reasons Mike Huckabee Should Become President" and was planning a Stuck On Huck Pledge Vote Rally for the American Institute of Business College in Des Moines along with "Virtual House Party" gatherings in the 50 states on June 4.
Reactions
HUNTSMAN rec'd 5:56 p.m.
Statement from Jon Huntsman on Mike Huckabee's Announcement

Jon Huntsman released the following statement regarding Mike Huckabee's decision not to run for President:

"Our country has been very fortunate to have Mike Huckabee as a leader and public servant. His commitment to this country and its core values -- life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness -- is a model to which all elected officials should aspire. It is unfortunate that we will not have his voice -- or his bass guitar -- in the presidential debate, as our party would have benefited from his involvement. Yet I'm confident that he will continue to be a positive force in the national conversation no matter his future endeavors and I look forward to his continued friendship."


PAWLENTY rec'd 5:59 p.m.
Statement by Gov. Pawlenty on Gov. Huckabee’s Announcement

"Mike Huckabee is a friend and colleague, and an important leader within the Republican Party.  Mike and I agree our nation is facing big challenges and desperately needs new leadership, and I plan to work hard to earn the support of the millions of Americans who have supported him. Mary and I wish Mike and Janet all the best."


SANTORUM rec'd 6:25 p.m.

Santorum Comments on Governor Huckabee's Decision to Not Run for President

Verona, PA - Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) made the following statement regarding Governor Mike Huckabee's announcement that he will not run for President in 2012:

 

"I have long admired Governor Huckabee and his commitment to talking about the critical issues facing America.  Those of us who believe in the virtues and values of life and family can never have enough allies, and I am grateful to Governor Huckabee for helping to keep those issues front and center.  As some in our party seek to form a 'truce' on social issues, I look forward to a dialogue with Governor Huckabee and his supporters to talk of our shared commitment to fight for traditional values and the rights granted to us by our forefathers. Finally, I was particularly moved by his honesty in revealing the reason for his decision.  He above all prayerfully sought God's will for his life."


GINGRICH rec'd 6:51 p.m.
Gingrich Statement on Mike Huckabee Decision

Governor Mike Huckabee emerged in 2008 as a new star for the Republican Party and the conservative movement.  Over the last 3 years he has used his gifts to create a popular Fox News TV show, produce an amazingly successful radio commentary, write best-selling books, and deliver thought provoking speeches.  All have increased his stature and his influence.
 
Had Governor Huckabee decided to run, there is no question he would have been a frontrunner in the 2012 campaign for president.  He has achieved that prominence without a campaign simply based on his personal appeal and the attractiveness of his views and his character.
 
His statement tonight emphasized the spiritual dimension of his life and his decision process.  It is a wonderful example for all Americans of someone trying to do the right thing.
 
Governor Huckabee will remain a major force for conservatism and he will play a major role in shaping America's future.  Callista and I wish him and his family a wonderful, happy, and successful future.