Will Huckabee Run for Senate?

Mike Huckabee withdrew from the race last night with great dignity and in a nick of time -- to run for U.S. Senator from Arkansas. As we wrote last month, the deadline is March 10th.

Incumbent Senator Mark Pryor would not be an easy opponent, but Huckabee now has a nationwide base of supporters from which to raise funds. A little time in the Senate, moreover, would give Huckabee the background in foreign affairs that he so woefully lacked, and therefore would position him to run for president in 2012.

One last compliment to the Huckabee campaign (I know I haven't given many). Janet Huckabee comported herself as a lady throughout the race. She stayed in the background and never embarrassed her husband. And though this couple had quite a romantic courtship -- high school sweethearts -- they kept it private, perhaps the best indicia of its genuineness.

In an age where candidates make out with their spouses on the convention stage or trot out their spouses as co-presidents and honorary members of the Cabinet, Janet Huckabee showed a refreshing restraint and humility. We wish the Huckabees all the best and hope he does run for Senate. Republicans could use the seat.