Frm. Arkansas Governor, 2008 Caucus Winner Mike Huckabee Courts Wapello Voters

Former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee visited voters in Wapello on Tuesday to set himself apart from the 17 other candidates seeking the Republican Presidential nomination.

Huckabee, who won the 2008 Iowa Caucus, says that he expects to have to win every single vote back again, and not coast by on name recognition. He outlined his stances on immigration, foreign policy, fiscal issues and domestic topics such as abortion and gay marriage.

He touts his experience as the republican Governor of a deep-blue state, home base of the so-called “Clinton Political Machine”, as what sets him above the rest of the Republican field.

“The fact that I’m the only candidate who has gone up against the Clinton political machine… I think that’s important. I think people want a candidate who is ready for that level of battle. There are a lot of folks who have won races [but in states where it’s not that hard to be a Republican,” said Huckabee, “It was hard being a Republican coming through Arkansas.”

Huckabee called the practice of abortion “savage” and pledged to fight for pro-life reforms if elected. He proposed a military solution to deal with ISIS, and said that he would make sure the military was well-funded if in the oval office.

He also pledged to build a border wall with Mexico within the first year of his presidency.

About 40 potential voters joined Huckabee at Johnnie B’s Steakhouse. Huckabee was also joined by his wife, Janet, who spoke briefly.

As it stands, Huckabee is 9th in the polls, ahead of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and behind Ohio Governor John Kasich.