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Huckabee Visits Church In Brandon

News Channel 8 photo by KATY HENNIG

Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate, spoke at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon today and promoted his new book.

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By NEIL JOHNSON | The Tampa Tribune
and RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 7, 2008

Updated: 12/07/2008 08:52 pm

BRANDON - Even before former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee spoke at Bell Shoals Baptist Church this morning, people were singing and dancing in the sanctuary.

Huckabee, in town to promote his book, "Do the Right Thing," encouraged the festive mood. Before he spoke at the early service, he grabbed a bass guitar and played with a drummer for a few minutes.

Once the instrumental was finished, Huckabee addressed the packed congregation. He was there to spread a message: Stick to your principles and maintain family values in these tough times.

It's the same message found in his book, which, along with his work as a television commentator, has kept the former Arkansas governor in the public eye.

People lined up in the church's lobby before and after the service to buy the book, which did brisk business between services, too. Huckabee signed copies after he spoke.

In addition to his insight on the presidential campaign, Huckabee said the book discusses the need for tax reform.

During an interview, Huckabee said Florida has not drifted to the political left, despite going for Barack Obama.

Huckabee noted that Florida voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment defining marriage as a bond between a man and a woman.

Sen. John McCain, the man who beat out Huckabee for the Republican nomination, could have helped his cause in Florida had he tied himself to that ballot measure, Huckabee said.

"I don't think John McCain closed the sale when it came time," he said.

Under the Obama administration, the Republican Party will have to maintain its core principles but also back Democratic initiatives that are good for the country, Huckabee said.

"Barack Obama was not my choice for president, but come Jan. 20 he will be my president, and I will pray for him every day.

"I want him to be successful because, frankly, my country is a whole lot more important to me than the Republican Party."

He also said the sanctity of life needs to be maintained, whether that means protecting unborn babies or an elderly Alzheimer's patient.

"Every life still has value," he said.

News Channel 8 photographer Katie Hennig contributed to this report. Reporter Neil Johnson can be reached at (813) 259-7731. Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920.

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