Huckabee Stumps In Chesterfield for Wagner's Congressional Bid

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee tapped into core conservative issues Thursday in Chesterfield, with his endorsement of Ballwin resident Ann Wagner for the GOP nomination in the race to replace U.S. Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) in Congress.

The pair rallied supporters in advance of Republican primaries in August. Many believe that in a heavily Republican district like the 2nd Congressional here, the GOP primary also decides the winner in November.

In a speech that touched on issues ranging from the cost of gasoline to the curricula of public schools, Huckabee praised Wagner’s political and personal life.

“This is a family that has lived the values we talk about,” Huckabee said. “If you can manage a household, if you can manage a small business, if you can serve in capacities as she has … you have a really good understanding of the full scope of America.”

Huckabee said the endorsement was likely to be one of fewer than a dozen Congressional races nationwide in which the former Arkansas governor planned to support a candidate.

Following the decision of Republican Ed Martin to  in favor of a bid for state attorney general, Wagner is expected to face Republican Randy Jotte of Webster Groves at the polls this summer. 

Jotte, a Barnes-Jewish Hospital ER doctor, entered the race late last month.

Wagner rallied supporters at Chesterfield’s  Thursday, focusing attention on the policies of Democrats in the U.S. Senate and White House.

“They want America to look more like Europe where they spread the wealth around,” said Wagner, who  last summer. “They want Americans dependent on government, and they want a federal government that is already too big to get even bigger. To that, I say no.”

Huckabee, who also does political commentary on FOX News Channel, said Wagner’s experience with her father’s small business, her pro-life policy and her push to lower the cost of living all helped garner his support.

“I’m not going to support people…if they don’t believe that every life has intrinsic worth and value,” Huckabee said to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters.

Guests in attendance at the event included Ballwin Alderman Mark Harder, who said he plans to support Wagner throughout the 2nd District race. Harder said he supports Wagner in part because of her experience, which includes being a member of the Lafayette Township Committee, Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, and co-chair for the Republican National Committee. 

“She’s been around politics a long time, has been living in the 2nd District her whole life, she knows the opportunities and the problems that we face here and I think she can represent us well,” Harder said.

In addition to the endorsement from Huckabee, Wagner also has been backed to date by former U.S. Attorney General and , and .

Akin, a Republican, is running for Senate and looking to unseat U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat.

The state's other senator is Republican Roy Blunt.