(Columbia) - A former governor whose name is synonymous with running is strapping on his shoes for a different kind of race.
Four years ago you wouldn't have seen Mike Huckabee running for the presidency, much less running down the street.
?I grew up in the deep south,? says Huckabee, ?fried everything, put sugar or gravy on it after you fried it.?
But the former Arkansas Governor cleaned up his act, loosing 110 pounds after taking up running and eating healthy. He hopes to use that momentum to springboard him into the White House.
?It's a testament to the fact that in this country, anything is possible. I never dreamed I?d be running for president, but here I am,? says Huckabee.
The fact that he kick-started his day at 6:30 this morning, is a clue to what?s at the forefront of his campaign.
?If we really want to solve the American health crisis, it starts with every individual saying I?m going to make choices that will help me be a healthier person, and that's going to have an impact on the cost, which we can't sustain under the current job,? says Huckabee.
Speaking of money, Huckabee says the presidency is not for sale. Though the so-called front runners may have more dough, Huckabee says it doesn't mean they have more stamina.
?It?s okay be second tier now, as long as at the finish line, the checkered flag is around at the end, and I?m out front,? says Huckabee.
The road is still long for Huckabee. The next stop is here in Columbia for his second Republican debate.
?The last debate was more like a game show than a political discourse, and I?m hoping that this time the questions will be more serious, that we'll be talking about issues that effect American families,? says Huckabee.
Health care is one of those issues that Huckabee has built up an endurance for, and says he won't stop advocating until he's won the big race.
Huckabee is in town with a handful of Republican Presidential hopefuls for Tuesday?s debate at 9 p.m. at the Koger Center.
5/14/2007 5:41:39 PM
