Despite a very strong debate performance, Mike Huckabee faces several significant challenges that he will have to overcome in the next ten weeks. I've been overwhelmingly positive about Huckabee, and right now, I don't see much reason to stop being so. But for those just getting to know the guy, here are some of the downsides.1) Sadly, Huckabee is a big-government proponent, which isn't going to play well at all with the fiscal conservatives. In addition to Erick's article, consider Rob Port's case against Huckabee (Ht: Instapundit). I don't know that I agree that conservatism and federalism are the same, but I am concerned that Huckabee wants to build a nanny-state. He is in a bind, too, since he clearly can't afford to change his mind on this issue (nor would he, I imagine, just to win the nomination). But it may not be all that bad--his answers tonight on health care and social security were both sufficiently personal to appease me.
2) Taxes. Club for Growth called him a "mixed bag" on tax and economic issues. That is, however, better than the doomsday language I've heard some fiscal conservatives use. Also, one person told me that Arkansas has actually prospered during Huckabee's tenure as governor.
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