Liberal groups are stepping up their pressure on Fox News to suspend or cut ties to potential GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, host of Fox’s “Huckabee.”
Earlier concerns from the groups prompted Fox boss Roger Ailes to begin considering Huckabee’s status as he makes moves to run for president again. The new push is on Ailes to cut bait and end the ethical dilemma.
“Based on Governor Huckabee’s recent public statements and actions, it is clear he is either running or exploring a run for president of the United States,” said a letter to Ailes from Brad Woodhouse, president of American Democracy Legal Fund.
Another associated group, the liberal media watchdog Media Matters, had previously called on Fox to end Huckabee’s show. The cable network has a record of such moves, ending its relationship with Dr. Ben Carson after he showed signs of running for president.
Woodhouse also reported in his letter that he has filed a complaint against Huckabee’s nonprofit group America Takes Action.
Huckabee leads or is near the top of several 2016 straw polls and is starting to form a campaign exploratory committee. He is also making moves to shore up support from evangelicals, a solid base of backers in other campaigns.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
