HuckPAC Resignation
As I mentioned this morning, I resigned my position as Arkansas coordinator for HuckPAC today where I served in a volunteer capacity. My departure was with a heavy heart but was done after serious prayer and consideration. Some have asked about the timing. As most could imagine, the recent news of the last two days along with the response did play a role in this decision but was not the sole factor.
I may say more in the coming days but for now I will leave it at this. I still firmly believe in the ideals and principles championed by Gov. Mike Huckabee.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I believe you made the right decision. Arkansas, along with the rest of the country, need to use the events from this now deceased parolee to move on. We need to look for someone to be our leader, and Huckabee can still help by being a spokesperson.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:51 pm
No matter how much we beleive that Mr. Huckabee did what he thought was right, we all know that should he ever declare for the Presidency, the “willie Horten” style adds would be on every channel, on every cable news venue, on every billboard. Mr Huckabee’s political career is now toast.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I look forward to hearing your complete reasoning for this as the timing does seem more than coincidental. I’m just curious to find how the events of the last week played into your decision. The commutation of this man’s sentence took place years ago, not last week. Mike Huckabee is the same man today as he was last Tuesday before this event took place and when you were still his supporter. IMO, this resignation appears very reactionary and typifies the problem with conservatives in this state.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:54 pm
[...] with the response did play a role in this decision but was not the sole factor,” Tolbert wrote on his blog. [...]
December 1st, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Jason, I feel your pain. I recently resigned as county chairman because I would no longer deal with the right wing members of the committee. I am speaking of people who would think Huckabee or baker were liberals. I personally believe in Mike Huckabee and think you made a poor decision and that you will regret it latter. Huckabee is a good man you should said you did not like this past decision and then stood by him! Conservitives are their own worst enemys sometimes. Makes me wish we had a moderate third party.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Perhaps I should re-phrase….as I said, I’m anxious to hear your COMPLETE reasoning. You said the commutation was not the sole factor, but you never indicated you were leaning towards this decision until today. That is why I am interested in hearing more from you.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:58 pm
[...] as Arkansas coordinator for Mike Huckabee’s political action committee today. Mr. Tolbert gives us a little insight into his rationale on his blog, “The Tolbert Report,” and notes that the events surrounding Maurice [...]
December 1st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Jason, you are the only one who can make the decision for yourself. Mike also said that he was not likely to be a Presidential prospect, which we should assume to be true. It is much more likely that he will continue with Fox News Channel and the radio gig, given the income those things produce, and his real need to make arrangements for retirement.
Don’t know if I am where you are, but I can’t complain about your actions. Good luck in your new endeavor(s).
December 1st, 2009 at 5:03 pm
From my observation, Jason is not a reactionary person. Sometimes an honorable man will remain quiet, to his own detriment, to avoid throwing another person under the bus. An admirable quality IMO.
December 1st, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Jason,
I have always found you to be a stand up person who is fair to everyone. Even when we have believed in different candidates, you were always polite and kind. I am sure this is not an easy decision and it would be easy to just “go along to get along”, but although I am surprised, I find you an incredibly honorable guy. I am so glad we have you and your blog informing us here in Arkansas.
December 1st, 2009 at 5:18 pm
You’re a good man Jason. I know that was a tough decision for you.
December 1st, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Jason I believe u to be a stand up guy as well. My point is that this is a time to stand by someone you claim to have supported not bale on him. I made it clear while he was governor I opposed his actions concerning prisoners and a few other actions. That doesn’t mean that now that the right wing and the media are after him its ok to bale. You are right it is a private decision but you made it public so I’d like to know your reasoning? Mike Huckabee was good for this state and is a good man despite what some say.
December 1st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Jason,
I respect your decision. I understand how tough it is. Mike was the 1st candidate that I ever volunteered for back in 1992 when he ran against Dale Bumpers. I worked the phones 3 nights per week for 6 weeks back in 1993 when he ran in special election for Lt. Gov. I was there in 1996 when he took the oath of office for Gov. I really do understand.
Having said all this I respect that you are looking at this as a citizen. He made a bad decision to help release over 1000 people from jail. In this case 4 police officers are dead and their spouses and kids will not have a parent for Christmas. Some of these were dangerous. As we saw, instead of taking responsibility he blamed others including the very people who urged him not to release this guy (and others).
As Christians we can’t just look at policy position we also must look at wisdom and decision making etc. I respect you for looking at the truth as hard as it is.
Hang in there.
Tim Cain
December 1st, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Thank you for your faithful service. May God bless you.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:40 pm
[...] HuckPac’s coordinator for the state of Arkansas has resigned his position [...]
December 1st, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Jason,
I still support Mike Huckabee, but I support you as well. Huckabee is a great voice for our party. I hope he stays strong. I was never sure that 2012 was his year. I, however, do not hold a position in his organization. I wish him and his family the very best in whatever He does. God bless us all and God bless the families of those who lost loved ones.
December 1st, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Let’s see. Huck commuted his (Clemmons) sentence from 104 or so years to 47 years for robbery. He was 16 or 17, He had served several years of the sentence 11 or so when the parole board voted all in favor of releasing him, he then a year or so later, he broke his terms of parole and was rearrested but Larry Jegley didn’t charge in him time for the parole violation so the prison released him because the Larry Jegely and his office didn’t do their job and then he moved to Washington State.
I am confused here,
I certainly didn’t agree with the Huck on many issues. Huck Commuted a Sentence that still included parole. And its his fault the guy was in Washington State? I say Larry Jegley and His Office have some Blame in this. They didn’t do their JOB We pay them to do,
Now it makes sense when Jegley was on the news this week saying Huck was to blame. Looks like he (Jegley) has some Blame and wanted to pass it before it landed on him
But None of these Huck, or Jegley killed anyone. Clemmons did.
So who are you going to support Jason.
Sarah is in Fayetteville on Thursday. I will be there! Good Luck Jason.
December 1st, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Dear Kay,
I just wanted to say I think your comment was right on track.
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:43 am
IF one of the reasons you resigned was because of the terrible incident that happened this past week, well it’s your life and only you can tell yourself how to live it. But there is little Huckabee could have done about this incident, the only reason it got this much attention was because it was Huckabee, a possible candidate for President. If Clemmons had been some regular joe that had no ties to him, the media would have just made it a 30 second soundbite, but I wish you good luck and God speed in all your future plans.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:12 am
Kay, I don’t think we should speculate too much about Jason’s reasoning. It could be that the actual commutation is apart of a different concern. I agree with your assessment of the situation, I just don’t think that we should be claiming to know exactly what Jason is thinking.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:42 am
i didn’t say what Jason is thinking Nicky. I was just thinking out loud. Wow W, you and I at the same place? Who Would have thought it.
Sorry Jason if I was trying to read your thoughts. I have listen to a few people around the state that were thinking Huck pardon this guy
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:13 am
With a heavy heart, I too can no longer support Mike Huckabee. People are dead because of a careless decision he made. There is no way I can support him for higher office. I won’t even be able to watch his TV show anymore, or listen to his radio reports. All I can think about is those poor children, nine in all, who have lost a parent because of the senseless slaughter that was entirely preventable.
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
I smell a rat here, why would you do this at this time? Very questionable behavior on Tolbert’s part?
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 am
[...] departure was with a heavy heart but was done after serious prayer and consideration,” James Tolbert wrote on his blog. “Some have asked about the timing. As most could imagine, the recent news of the last two [...]
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:57 am
[...] departure was with a heavy heart but was done after serious prayer and consideration,” James Tolbert wrote on his blog. “Some have asked about the timing. As most could imagine, the recent news of the last two [...]
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Bill,
Yes it was a senseless event, but lets look at the facts. There were probably dozens of officers killed of the weekend all across the nation. If it hadnt been Clemmons, if could have been someone else. The only reason the media gave this tragic event more than a 30 second soundbite was because it dealt with a former and possibly a future presidential candidate. They are just looking for stories to downgrade Republican hopefuls, liek they are for Sarah Palin, Mitt Romeny and others.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Front page news on the Dem-Gaz. Not bad, Jason. Might need to increase your bandwitdth!
All of our best. Not an easy place for you, nor for Mike H., to be.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Keith,
I would recommend thinking about this a little more strategically. From a rational perspective, there really isn’t much to blame Huckabee for. He granted clemency within the bounds of the law and within the bounds of a system designed to help correct perceived errors in the justice system (or at least account for changed conditions). Not knowing what was in Clemmons’ clemency file, one can presume — for the sake of argument — that there was nothing indicating any sort of propensity to commit such a heinous crime. So, yes, you can’t really rationally blame Huckabee, at least not on the facts we have.
But … Dukakis was effectively trashed up one side and down the other for the Willie Horton fiasco, which had strikingly similar facts. He was billed as “soft on crime,” and we all know how his candidacy fared. Because the GOP used this tactic on Dukakis, it’s fair game for Huckabee. That means a Huckabee candidacy would be plagued with allegations of being soft on crime, replete with pictures of the deceased officers, the children left behind, and so on.
And I can’t understand why you would possibly think the brazen slaughter of four on-duty police officers is only worth a “30-second soundbite.” I think this is a hard news story about a horrific crime, and I bet uniformed police officers across the country think it’s worth a lot more than a “30-second soundbite.”
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Jason, I’m so sorry you had to make this decision. I am in prayer for you. I have a whole lot of respect for you and know that you must have agonized over this.
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
What a sorry excuse!!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Jason,
I am not from your state, and ordinarily would not know about your blog. I only learned about it this morning when CNN gleefully trumpeted the news that you were quitting. Whatever service you may have done for Mike Huckabee in the past is surely more than cancelled out by this timely desertion. If you believe that 16-year-olds should be sent to jail for 100 years for nonviolent crimes, then I am glad you are no longer on the team. I can’t read your mind or know your motives, but no explanation I can imagine would justify the timing of your decision, which aids and abets the character assassination of a good man. If you’re looking for a new candidate to support, I suggest Sarah Palin; she specializes in quitting when the going gets tough. E tu, Brute?
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:27 pm
While not a personal supporter of Governor Hucakabee’s political ambitions, I find it especially shameful that someone this close to the Governor would choose this moment to bail on him. It is a personal betrayal, and cloaking it in “prayer” as if it was an instruction from God is the height of disrespect to both God and the Governor. When Scripture offers instruction on how friends should part ways or correct each other, those instructions always include privacy as a primary consideration. True character demands the Governor’s friends stand with him now through the storm. Then, when the storm has passed, there’s plenty of time for reasoned, carefully considered parting over matters of conscience. This feels more like grandstanding or opportunism.
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Yoshi99,
I agree with what your saying about Huckabee, and thats what I was trying to express, I just did not do it in such a way that you do.
But do NOT put words in my mouth, I NEVER said that the murder of those police officers were worth only a 30 second soundbite. They deserve a memorial and a special on 2020. What I DID say was that, the media grabbed ahold of this and ran with it because it involved a former and possibly future presidential candidate. How many other officers were killed or shot over the weekend that this tragedy happened? Prolly dozens, but we haven’t heard about them…what I am asking why do we not hear about ALL the officers that are killed and wounded in the line of duty..I’m sure the police officers around the country want them to be remembered as well.
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
We must be carefully how we judge people. At some point, Left & Right will walk the same road and will need compassion and understanding, and forgiveness. No wonder Christ said “My kingdom is not of this world”. Now more than ever before, it seems impossible to walk in both kingdoms at once. You either deny yourself (world) or Him (Christ)
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
[...] via HuckPAC Resignation | The Tolbert Report. [...]
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
A Governor should not overturn the justice system unless he finds an inmate wrongly convicted. We put sentencing guidelines in place to keep liberal activist parole boards, prosecutors and judges from turning murderers and rapists loose on the public. Governors have no clue if someone they are releasing is going to take innocent life or not and they should not subject the public to that risk. Huck betrayed the public and has been stung by his own sense of moral superiority.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
To all of those who say that Huckabee should not be blamed for what occurred in Washington I think you need your head examined. I live in Seattle and have seen first hand what a travesty this has been to a number of different communities here. If Huckabee had not let this man out none of this would have happened. Yet another case of putting faith before reason and look at what has come of it. Shame on Mr. Huckabee. You have blood on your hands! Time to come clean instead of blaming others for your horrendous decision.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
It amazes me to see how some of you are jumping in the middle of Jason Tolbert with no provocation whatsoever. Most of you have no idea as to how or why he made his decision. I suggest you back off and take a deep breath. Maybe at the same time you can come to gain some common sense.
Geesh, give the guy a break.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Jason, over the last 6 months I have been following your little slice of heaven. I have seen the changes you have made in both demeanor and credibility. In the beginning, I viewed you as little more than the dog crap I might pick up on my shoe walking in the park. You consistently showed bias and put out inaccurate information or filtered things. You took the easy path. Lately, I have noticed the change and it has been for the better. Still don’t like your brand of tongue in cheek smarminess. But that is my preference and your style. However, I believe your neutrality is getting better. At this point you have far outshined Rrutherford in trying to be a fair broker. HE is just a paid social media hack. I could care less about the Huckster thing. What I appreciate and respect is this: you are taking a beating, deserved or not and letting it stay posted on here. And that my friend moves you a couple of notches up from the typical blogger to something more respectable on his way to bigger and better things. Regards and continue to dare to make a difference.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
To GW, Granted Huckabee pardoned him but the Washington St legal system failed as badly if not worse then Huckabee did with releasing him on bail.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Four dead cops in Washington state killed by Maurice Clemmons is awful, awful, awful. Another dead woman in Missouri, killed by Wayne Dumond, is equally terrible. Both were let out of jail, where they were safely locked away, thanks to the urgings, lobbying and actions of Mike Huckabee. There is no excuse or rationalization that will make the horror of it go away. Mike Huckabee cannot leave a trail of dead bodies across the country as the legacy of his governorship and expect that voters will accept him as a candidate for President.
No way, no how.
As much as we may admire Mike Huckabee’s faith, he is not fit to lead this nation because of the horrible misjudgements he made in elective office.
I only hope, of the more than 1,000 people let out of prison by Mike Huckabee, that there aren’t more walking timebombs out there ready to maim, rob, stab, shoot and kill innocent victims.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
After rereading this a number of times and as a Christian I come away with this may have been an act of betrayal. The Bible comes down pretty harshly on people who betray others, but if I were looking for a person to help drive my campaign I would have to pass on Mr Tolbert as not to be trusted.
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Shelly,
I agree with you that Huckabee made mistakes, I’ll be the first to admit that. But can we honestly say that at the time he made that decision, if he had been in his place, if we would have not made the same decision? Hindsight is 20/20 so I doubt that any of us could say we could not have done that with 100% guarentee. And Huckabee is not the only Governor to do this, there has been many Governors and Presidents to do this, and what of the 1000s of people on the street bc the judicial system failed? There is no easy answer for any of this.
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Keith,
Thank you for your response, but I must say that I found Mike Huckabee’s statement that he would make the same commutation decision again to be an insult to the families of the victims and to police officers across this nation. The act of commutation, or pardon, should be used only in very rare cases. That Mr. Huckabee has not learned that lesson saddens me greatly, and it is an added burden to the horror that these victim families are bearing.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
David,
You really should educate yourself on all of this before you comment. The only reason Clemmons made it back out on the street in Washington was because he was able to make bail after the state of Arkansas lifted their outstanding warrant that allowed the state of Washington to hold him without bail. The prosecutors here asked Arkansas to reinstate the warrant to cover a national level but the Arkansas refused and only made it good in state effectively limiting Washington’s ability to hold him once he was able to raise the $150K for bail. Arkansas dropped the ball twice!
As far as your betrayal comment. For someone who claims he’s a Christian you certainly don’t sound that way. You might want to open the New Testament concerning the ways of Jesus instead of depending on the old testament for for your views on betrayal. Why is it that those who seem to shout their faith the loudest seem to know the least about what their faith stands for? Next thing you’ll be saying is you should be able to stone the guy?
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
You disappoint me. If you’d care to explain your reasoning further, I’d like to hear it.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:01 pm
[...] Jason Tolbert: “resigned my position as Arkansas coordinator for HuckPAC today where I served in a [...]
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Jason I simply feel like you were more than happy to be his supporter while these actions took place when he was governor but when the national attention focused on it you baled. I hope it got you new comments on the blog and some press. The left and far right have sure used your actions against the Governor to hurt him.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Jason,
I have supported Mike Huckabee since his first political race yet, I wasn’t aware that you were the Arkansas coordinator for HuckPAC. I am sure a lot of other people didn’t know that either. I guess they do now, since your decision to publically announce your resignation from a volunteer position made national news!
You didn’t fully explain your reason for resigning, but you did say that you might say more in the coming days. I guess all these people who read about your public resignation in the national news will just have to start reading your blog to find out why you chose to resign from a volunteer position and why you felt like it warranted a public announcement.
Myrt
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:12 pm
[...] HuckPAC today where I served in a volunteer capacity," Arkansas HuckPAC coordinator Jason Tolbert wrote on his blog. "Some have asked about the timing. As most could imagine, the recent news of the last two days [...]
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Jason,
I don’t know you, but if I ever wind up in a foxhole next to you….I’ll know it’ll be my time to go be with the Lord.
It is disheartening that Mike’s political career has probably come to an end because of the wicked behavior of an individual that the Governor extended a second chance in life to.
To hear cheapshots being taken at the Governor by GOP hopefuls like Tim Pawlenty and George Pataki, and before these officers were even buried, was sickening enough. To hear that you are resigning your HuckPac position at THIS particular time is sickening as well. Thanks for feeding the sharks.
Need work? Give Pawlenty or Pataki a call….you’ll fit right in.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Great! Lets move on. I once volunteered for a park clean up and I quit that. Didn’t like the way they had us use those reach and grab things. You might have read about it when I quit. Maybe, oh prolly not who cares.
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Definitely need to increase bandwidth. Now you have made the Washington Post as well.
Again, your decision, and I respect what you have done, even tho I might not be with you on this aspect. Not a good place for you or Gov Huckabee to be in. But I also believe that Gov. Huckabee had long decided that 2012 was not the time for him to make another run at President. Later, maybe. No guarantee of my support; but I’d listen to his full explanation then.
Now, too much “heat of moment.” Many mountains being made out of molehills right now.
How many hits on your blog??
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Instead of complaining about such non-factors as Pataki or Pawlenty, you should be complaining about the appallingly poor judgment of Mr. Huckabee. Whether you like it or not, Clemmons and Dumond are part of Mr. Huckabee’s legacy.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
wow, i am impressed at how all of these super intelligent people failed completely to give an argument and instead attacked Jason’s character. That is nice. Here are some facts, This blog has noted SEVERAL issues with the direction of Huck Pac way before this announcement. I suspect, though with no certainty at all, that thoughts of this type have been brewing for some time. Shoot, i would bet if you read the post you would have seen that this was not the only reason.
As to the value of a volunteer position, well, that is a bigger deal than most may realize. Here is a question, is it significant when a local party chair resigns? Yes in fact it is. That is a somewhat remotely similar style of position.
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:45 pm
This alleged suspect was once walking the streets due to the character of America’s Law of Grace and mercy. Better to have a Man of conviction who is a cautious leader then one who throws away the key. Gov. Huckabee, as Governor’s of any State, did his job well. This unfortunate incident has many people saying “if only I ahd done this”.
We live in a judicial system that is ran by politically correct feelings, that the line between circumstantial facts and direct evidence is so blurred, the Judge reads the Law to the Jurists and it seems to be like glass as the words fall to the floor, much like the truth of Jury Nullification.
The number of Souls who repented and have gone on to be respectable citizens from Governor Huckabee’s pardon does not justify the loss of life from one who disrespects their Mercy. But to not have pardons for your sins, leaves your liberty in a very difficult position. The Old Testament with it’s eye for an eye had a system of redemption. Not so sure about the Islam’s Shariah Law for it to is an eye for an eye.
Don’t opportunity do this often but this circumstance demands this:
And, behold a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, what is written in the law? how readest thou? And he, answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.–Luke x. 25-28.
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul. and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. –Matt. xxii 35-40. http://www.qhpress.org/quakerpages/qhoa/wilton.htm
AMEN~
Did you know that a jury is over the Judge and that they can ignore evidence and declare the defendant innocent due to overriding circumstance. No appeal can be afforded to being found innocent.
Jury Nullification Rights
http://hellomichigan.blogspot.com/2009/11/jury-nullification-rights.html
Jason, don’t know the whole story here. I am sure you may think justified in your move. Thankyou in your civility towards whatever has you upset. I see your blogging continues. Hang in there Brother. We all have a Nation to save in 2010. Let us all remember to keep the Quest front and center. As of Governor Huckabee, there is not one individual as of yet who has the maturity and insight to lead our Quest as he does. If he will graciously run for President in 2012, God Bless him. Who knows why he should as mean and ugly as this Nation has become. God save it’s Soul the Founding Fathers birthed.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Pawlenty or Pataki two very boring uninspiring nonfactors in 2010. frankly I could careless about what they think or McCain. I bet the dems are loving this. However, Jason has every right to move in his own directions whatever that is. I am just confused with so many people who don’t even no the facts making such outrageous comments about the Huck. I love the Huck for his conservative moral values, but I don’t love the fiscal policies. Thats where we differed. However, I think when you are arguing with Idots. (Glen Becks words) then You must remember you can’t carry on a logical conversation with people with no knowledge of the circumstances. Maybe the circumstances I remember aren’t being told or just people listening to the news (haha) and thinking they just heard the facts. Now thats a joke these days….FACTS and The News Media…they simply don’t exist most of the time.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:26 pm
What a bunch of morons the general public is. Governor Huckabee had NOTHING to do with the release of this guy. Yet all the sheeple say they can’t support the governor anymore because he “pardoned” a murderer. If you people are that stupid and that disloyal, you shouldn’t even bother to vote anymore.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
I’ll be honest. I never liked Huckabee. Didn’t like the way he played the Christian card against Romney. Didn’t like the way he ran interference for McCain even though he had no chance of winning. I remember this pardon/commutation issue coming up in the primary campaign. This was just another reason why I would not vote for Huck. The bottom line is he commuted a sentence of someone who has destroyed many lives. 9 children lost a parent because Huck was angling for the black vote in Arkansas. I think his commutation of Clemmons is one of the most despicable actions any politician has ever taken. Huckabee was playing God in forgiving this man his crimes and he should have instead remembered he is a secular governor of a State, not a forgiving preacher. He seems to be confused of his role and he should stay out of public office for the rest of his life.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Lori,
“Had nothing to do with the release of this guy?” Are you serious? He has the blood of four heros all over his hands. Pull off your blinders and understand that facts are facts. You can’t make things up like Glenn Beck and expect anyone to believe you, Oops, please forgive me. I guess Beck does nicely doing that almost every day!
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:52 pm
My personal opinion, which is worthless if I am being honest, is that huckabee did nothing that was illegal, and in this particular case I see his reasoning for issuing the Commutation. Hey, I think I might have taken a serious look at it if I was in his place.
Where He and I go different directions is where at first he minimized his involvement and then pointed at someone else. He corrected this, but his initial response lacked character and to a larger degree leadership. Leaders understand that every thing that happens under their watch is their responsibility. He can’t control everything, but he sets the policies and he monitors the process. Therefor when something goes wrong, he has to admit his part and not blame someone else. For me, that is the disconnect. Huck has no culpability in these murders, my problem is the cowardly manner in which he handled it.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:31 am
[...] not all, Jason Tolbert of the Tolbert Report recently announced his resignation as an Arkansas State Coordinator for HuckPAC (God bless Google Blogs, I would have missed this otherwise… Jason has a great blog, but it [...]
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:37 am
I say trim the fat. This is the time when one finds out who is on the wagon because they believe in the same things you do or if they are on the wagon because it seems to be pointed in desriable direction. Huck is a good man. He made an educated and well thought out call. The crimes this man was convicted of were crimes of burglary and assault as a minor. Clemmons should have been put away after he violated that parole but was not. That is where the ball was dropped here.
Huck has a lot of people around the country that STILL supports him. His value for life is UNWAIVERING.
To all those who are jumping ship. Good job. You may just be electing Obama to another term with your actions right now.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I really find it hypocritical that a “decision” like this required a lot of “prayers”. I did not see a president in Huckabee in the first place!
If you really want to understand the reasons underlying his various commutations and pardons, look to his and supporters hatred for the Clintons in Arkansas.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Buddy how off base can one get!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Mike Huckabee has given a full accounting of his actions in the Clemmons matter. As far as I am concerned, he did the right thing by decreasing the absurdly long sentence. Nothing that happened later was inevitable, and trying to pin it on him is nothing but dirty politics. Anyone who claims otherwise should be ashamed of themselves.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Quitting? That sound like something Sarah Palin would do. So what if a few people died…Mike is a good man and belives in life and forgiveness for those who sinned. Of course all those who are criminals deserve a second chance, as the Lord says. Mike did what Jesus was only telling him to do. And that is NEVER wrong. Wake up and stop being a liberal. Listen to Glenn Beck and you’ll know what you’re calling is. Praise Glenn Beck. Never give up. Keep on the Path and all will tell you okay if you hear it.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I agree with poster Randy above. I support your decision to leave Huckpac, but your timing was bad. It looks as if Huckabee is going to coming out of this just fine (see latest polls), but your rep is taking a beating. Still, I look forward to reading your blogs in the future.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Keith asks: How many other officers were killed or shot over the weekend that this tragedy happened?
Acc. to American Police Hall of Fame Line of Duty Statistics: One officer is killed every 57 hours – Not quite one every other day. How tragic.
December 12th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Hi Jason…I’m not sure you intended to contribute to the character & judgement assissination of Gov. Huckabee, but the timing of your decision certainly did. I support the Gov. and was shocked when the news first broke. However, I should’ve known that the liberal media would distort the facts to fit their agenda. Once I heard the full story surrounding the communtation and the events thereafter, I realized that Huckabee was the only one that made a rational decision in this whole stream of events. Consider, Huck was presented with a unannymous parole board recommendation to commute the sentence and was reinforced by the circuit court judge due to the severity of the sentence. Why on earth did the prosecutor’s office see this case as “not worth his time”? Why on earth did two judges in Washington see fit to let a known child rapist and cop assaulter off with $15,000 bail?
In hindsight, of course Huckabee’s decision was a bad one based on what we know today. However, when you put it into context, his was the ONLY rational decision in the series of events that permitted this animal to go free.
I look forward to supporting Huck in all his endeavors (including a 2012 run) and I hope you will reconsider yours. I am not currently a member of HUCKPAC, but once I finish school and have freed up some time, I have every intention of doing so. More than any other candidate I’ve seen, Huckabee represents my values (and I believe millions of others) and that gives me hope for a better tomorrow.
December 14th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Why do you deliberately believe and repeat the lies about why Huckabee reduced the extreme sentence of a young boy who had gone wrong. His act was an act of that compassion which all of law in forcement agreeded including the judge who sentenced him. I smell a rat! You liberals and self righteous moderates will lie, cheat and do anything to promote your destructive agenda. The fact you lie shows your truth heart and yes sin. But you will not change until you have dragged everyone else into the dark hole you live in. Huckabee is a moral and compassionate man who loves this country. My hat is off to him and I wish we had someone like him, with morals and love of country in our present White House.