America Agrees: Fred Thompson Needs to Debate Mike Huckabee

September 10, 2007, LITTLE ROCK, AR – Over the last 72 hours, nearly 1,500 Americans have joined former Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike in his call to former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson to participate in a series of Lincoln Douglas-styled debates.

“On Friday, I sent a letter to Senator Thompson outlining our shared desire to participate in a series of Lincoln Douglas-styled debates. Senator Thompson had initially suggested in a Fox News interview that this would be a better format for debate. In that letter, I officially accepted his offer and suggested that we start this series of debates in New Hampshire,” said Huckabee.

Huckabee’s presidential campaign posted his invitation to Thompson on his web-site (www.mikehuckabee.com) with an opportunity for average citizens to co-sign his letter. Since Friday, nearly 1,500 people have co-signed the letter so far; traffic to the Governor’s website is at a record-high; and nearly three dozen new “bloggers for Huckabee” have joined his team.

Huckabee said he has received no official response from Sen. Thompson to date, but welcomes his reply.

“Yesterday while on CNN, Wolf Blitzer offered for CNN to broadcast the debate. The only thing we’re waiting on is for Senator Thompson to show up and debate. Senator Thompson can pick the date, he can pick time, and he can pick the place,” said Huckabee.

“I urge him to accept the invitation of the American people and show that he’s capable of leading by example – and isn’t afraid of expressing his views and his vision for America in a comprehensive one-on-one Lincoln Douglas-styled debate,” he said.

Last month, Huckabee signed former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s pledge to participate in a series of lengthy debates with the American people – a concept that was embraced by Thompson on his interview with Jay Leno last week. “I think this is a great idea, and one that the American people would benefit from,” said Huckabee. “I’m glad that Senator Thompson agrees.”

The text of Gov. Huckabee’s letter, along with the names and comments of nearly 1,500 co-signers, can be found on his website (www.mikehuckabee.com) by clicking here.

“I’m pleased that citizens from all across America have enthusiastically endorsed this idea with their signature and have called on Senator Thompson to debate me at the location of his choice – preferably in a key state such as New Hampshire,” said Huckabee.

Source: Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.