Huckabee to make Fallon campaign stop

Former Arkansas governor and 2008 Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee will make a short swing through western Nevada early next week including a stop in Fallon on Monday morning.

Huckabee will arrive at the Fallon Convention Center at 8:30 a.m. to meet local residents and speak about his candidacy.

James Smack, Nevada’s assistant controller and state’s co-chairman for the Huckabee campaign, said the presidential candidate will also speak in Carson City Sunday afternoon and at the Washoe County GOP headquarters on Monday afternoon.

Smack said Huckabee will speak on a wide range of national and state-related issues.

Huckabee finished fourth in the Nevada caucus in 2008 behind Mitt Romney, John McCain and Ron Paul. Huckabee spoke in March at Nevada Republican Central Committee’s spring meeting, which was held in Carson City.

Coming to a Navy town should fit Huckabee’s background in knowing and dealing with military issues. Huckabee, who was governor of Arkansas when military action in Iraq and Afghanistan unfolded, said he favors a stronger military than what exists today.

As governor, Huckabee served as commander in chief of the Arkansas National Guard that deployed hundreds of guardsmen to the two theaters of operation during his tenure. On national defense, Huckabee said he would like to see military spending return to 6 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) that occurred during the Reagan presidency. Latest estimates put the current percentage at slightly more than 4 percent.

Huckabee said his experience as governor, including his role as commander in chief, sets him apart from the other candidates. During his tenure in office, Huckabee said the Democrat-controlled legislature passed 90 percent of his bills.

Those wanting to attend may register at www.mikehuckabee.com/fallon.