Romney Strategy in Peril With Huckabee's Ascent  —  Bid for Early States Appears in Jeopardy  —  DES MOINES — A year ago, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney gathered his campaign team for the first time at his suburban Boston home.  There were PowerPoint presentations, and Ann Romney made sandwiches.

Warnings Unheeded On Guards In Iraq  —  Despite Shootings, Security Companies Expanded Presence  —  The U.S. government disregarded numerous warnings over the past two years about the risks of using Blackwater Worldwide and other private security firms in Iraq, expanding their presence …

That queasy Little Rock feeling  —  Mike Huckabee is the type of politician that I would like to like.  But I always had a funny feeling about the guy based on allegations made when he was governor.  Subtle innuendos about influence and Big Business that I would pick up when business took me to NW Arkansas.

U.S. Officials See Waste in Pakistan Aid  —  ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — After the United States has spent more than $5 billion in a largely failed effort to bolster the Pakistani military effort against Al Qaeda and the Taliban, some American officials now acknowledge that there were too few controls over the money.

Huckabee's Co-Pilot  —  Some of us — in my case, a political conservative and evangelical Christian — are getting a queasy feeling when it comes to the presidential campaign of former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, and much of it has to do with his use of faith in this political campaign.

Politico's Populist pop quiz  —  At first glance, John Edwards and Mike Huckabee seem like complete opposites.  The Democratic trial lawyer and Republican preacher seem straight out of central casting, ready-made rivals for a clichéd Hollywood take on the electoral process.

Lost In the Obama Era  —  Jesse Jackson can still get a crowd going—when he can find one.  He appeared at a Los Angeles restaurant this fall, primed to discuss school dropout rates and home foreclosures.  But only eight people showed up, mostly reporters.

Video: Ron Paul explains “fascism” and little else on Meet the Press  —  As Red State observes, strange things happen when Tim Russert meets Ron Paul.  On MTP this morning, Russert asked Paul a number of questions, from how and what government stuff would Paul pay for once he's done away with the income tax …

Health Care Mandates: A Dead-end Debate  —  Democratic candidates have been debating the merits of their universal health plans, with the debate and columns by Paul Krugman focused on the need for “mandates” to acquire health insurance.  Those debates are worthwhile, but they need to be refocused on why …

An Update on the Trial of Bilal Hussein  —  America's first major trial concerning press freedom involved a German newspaper man, John Peter Zenger.  He was accused of having libeled the Royal Governor of New York, William Cosby.  Andrew Hamilton won a favorable jury verdict in that case …

Searching for Friends, Spitzer Warms to Lobbyists  —  Earlier this year, aides to Gov. Eliot Spitzer began planning a lavish December fund-raiser on Manhattan's West Side, hoping to cap Mr. Spitzer's bruising first year in office with a show of political support and financial strength.

Huckabee campaigning for 23% sales tax  —  Political suicide?  Quite the opposite for the GOP White House hopeful — so far.  But many call the plan for a national levy ‘crackpot’ (even if it would shut down the IRS).  —  WASHINGTON — Mike Huckabee, one of the most conservative Republicans …

GI saves Iraqi boy in long-shot adoption  —  MAUSTON, Wis. - Capt. Scott Southworth knew he'd face violence, political strife and blistering heat when he was deployed to one of Baghdad's most dangerous areas.  But he didn't expect Ala'a Eddeen.  —  Ala'a was 9 years old …