For the second time, a former prisoner who had his sentence commuted by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee appears to be connected with a tragic, unspeakable crime.
Maurice Clemmons — whom Huckabee granted clemency nine years ago, thus shortening a long prison sentence — is currently being sought for questioning in the murder of four police officers in Washington State. Clemmons relocated to Tacoma, Washington, after being released from prison in Arkansas.
During the 2008 Republican primary, Huckabee was dogged by his support for parole for Wayne DuMond, a convicted rapist who, upon his release from prison, raped and murdered another woman.
Matt Yglesias thinks Huckabee’s actions vis-à-vis Clemmons are defensible, arguing that “it’s hard to see what about a record of involvement in burglaries would make you think this was a guy at risk of doing something like this.” That’s a fair point.
Over the weekend, Huckabee indicated he’s leaning against another presidential campaign, while clearly still trying to keep himself relevant — and his name in the news. If he does decide to run again, this awful story is certain to follow him.
Matthew Spieler
Matthew Spieler is a former policy analyst for Congressional Quarterly, where he covered health care, education, labor, and veterans’ affairs. A graduate of The George Washington University, he has also worked as a reporter for CQ covering ...
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Mark85322 says:
It's just a sad, sad situation. Huckabee, screwed up, yes. But he couldn't have known then, that his actions would lead to the deaths of four cops. I'm sure that if he knew that then, he wouldn't have granted clemency to Clemmons. I bet Huckabee wishes he could turn back time. I bet the families of the fallen officers do to.