Stephens Media
FORT SMITH — Former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee today endorsed former state Rep. Doug Matayo’s bid for the GOP nomination in the 3rd District congressional race.
Matayo is among eight Republicans running for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
Huckabee’s daughter, Sarah Huckabee, is Boozman’s campaign manager.
In a statement on the Web site of HuckPAC, the former governor’s political action committee, Huckabee said passage of President Obama’s health care reform package was a wake-up call for Republicans and the nation.
“We must do everything we can to send our best to Washington if we want to turn things around,” he said. “That is why I am endorsing Doug Matayo. I saw his work in the Arkansas House. He knows how to win even when Republicans are outnumbered.”
He touted Matayo’s efforts to reduce the size of government, that Matayo never supported a tax increase and that he is anchored by “strong conservative Christian values.”
Matayo served two terms in the Arkansas House from 2003 to 2007. He sought the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2006, finishing third in the GOP primary behind Jim Holt and Chuck Banks.
Matayo said today he was “honored to have the support of Arkansas’ greatest Republican,” praising Mike Huckabee for leadership and courage as governor and, as a national figure, the “refreshing message” he brings to the national dialogue.
“I am humbled to have his support and trust,” Matayo said in a release.
Other candidates seeking the 3rd District GOP nomination are Rogers Mayor Steve Womack, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Bernard Skoch, former DEA special agent Steve Lowry, Boone County Judge Mike Moore, Gravette businessman Kurt Maddox, state Sen. Cecile Bledsoe of Rogers and former state Sen. Gunner DeLay of Fort Smith.
