Huckabee’s Political Career Over?

Alleged four time cop killer Maurice Clemons was granted clemency by Mike Huckabee when he was governor in Arkansas in 2000. This is a repeat of the Michael Dukakis Willie Horton scandal that was used by papa Bush successfully in the 1988 presidential campaign. Dukakis supported a weekend furlough program where convicted felon got weekend leaves of absence. Willie Horton was one of the felons. Horton never returned during his leave on June 6, 1986. While free he raped a local woman, gagged and beat her fiancé and stole their car. From this event papa Bush was able to exploit fears of people by painting Dukakis as soft on crime. Possibly the most successful tactic of that campaign. And it worked.

And now Huckabee takes the walk of shame. He reportedly blamed both Arkansas and Washington but the evidence is plain as day. Dukakis was guilty for supporting a furlough program. Huckabee actually granted clemency. It’s over Mike.

And what does this all mean? South Carolina Governor Sanford gone as a possible 2012 presidential candidate. Now the main nemesis of Sarah Palin if she chooses to run as a republican in 2012 badly damaged. The last one standing is Mitt Romney. Sarah would have had a tough battle with Huckabee but she can take the Massachusetts health care tarnished Romney. Romney will look like the old guard, conventional, wooden, caught up in his contradictory record of non achievement in government. Basically the flood gates just blew open for Sarah if she desires the nomination in 2012.

Lesson to be learned here? Never trust a convicted felon.