Dogged about why he declined to donate any of the book proceeds to the scholarship fund, Huckabee said he planned to use the money for his own children's college education. Later Huckabee stayed in his private office in the Capitol in an attempt to evade further questions. Then he rushed to his state car and slammed the door on reporters.
McDaniel, the Jonesboro lawyer, said such incidents didn't seem to hurt Huckabee. He noted that Huckabee had a knack for impressing voters and winning elections, "even if he does have a very short fuse and a temper."
Indeed, not only was he reelected in 1998, he carried Jonesboro, a state college town on the northern edge of the Mississippi Delta. To many in Arkansas, that feat speaks to his twin gifts as a natural politician and an inspiring religious leader.
McQuary, the former state Democratic chairman, said Huckabee was very charismatic and could uplift people in a state that has struggled with poverty: "Surprisingly, he was quite popular, especially in such a Democratic-majority state. Do not underestimate him on the campaign trail."
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richard.serrano@latimes.com
