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Book Tour Is Festive Event

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By NEIL JOHNSON and RAY REYES

njohnson@tampatrib.com rreyes@tampatrib.com

Published: December 8, 2008

BRANDON - Even before former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee spoke at Bell Shoals Baptist Church on Sunday 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.

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 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 approved an amendment defining marriage as a bond between a man and a woman.

Sen. John McCain, who won 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.

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

News Channel 8 photographer Katy Hennig contributed to this report.

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