I (HEART) HUCKABEE'S VISION
Potential Republican presidential candidate visits and shares ideas for future
BY PAUL ADAMS

The Nevada Republican Party hosted Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in Las Vegas July 26 as the keynote speaker at a luncheon co-hosted by the Nevada GOP and Huckabee's Hope for America Political Action Committee (HAPAC). Huckabee established the Hope for America PAC to support Republican candidates, including those who share common values and his vision for America. He has been traveling around the country to support GOP political organizations at the grassroots level and to help this year's crop of candidates prevail in the 2006 elections.

Huckabee, who chairs the 50-state National Governor's Association, is the second most senior governor in the United States. He succeeded to the post of governor in 1996, and was elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2002. He will leave office in January 2007 due to term limits.

Huckabee was in Las Vegas to receive the IDEA "Fitness Inspiration of the Year Award" at the Hilton Las Vegas during the IDEA World Fitness Convention. The award is presented each year to someone who has overcome considerable health challenges and now includes regular fitness activity in his or her life while providing inspiration to others.

Huckabee, who transformed his own health, went from "couch potato" to marathon-er in just two years. He also beat diabetes through diet and exercise. He has become an inspiration to millions of Americans who are battling obesity and poor health.

Knowing he was coming to Las Vegas, he arranged his schedule so that he could visit with local Republicans and help raise money for both the NRP and HAPAC. Huckabee told a group of influential business and community leaders that major healthcare reform is "critical to our country's future" and is one of his top priorities.

Speaking frankly, he addressed a range of issues including foreign affairs, immigration policy and education policy.

Everyone who attended appreciated the opportunity to talk to a possible presidential candidate in 2008. LW