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Supporters rally for Huckabee
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Students in Maranathan Christian School’s government class came out to a Mike Huckabee rally Friday on the downtown square in Gainesville. - photo by Robin Michener Nathan
Supporters of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee gathered Friday on the downtown Gainesville square to hand out campaign materials and wave signs at passing motorists.

Brad Farrow, chairman of the local Huckabee campaign, said the candidate has enjoyed growing support in Hall County. A recent poll showed Huckabee leading in advance of Georgia’s Feb. 5 presidential primary.

"I watched the first Republican debate and was extremely impressed with him (Huckabee) and believed this man could win," said Farrow, who moved to Flowery Branch from Florida about four years ago.

Phillip Nierodzik of Flowery Branch supports Huckabee because of his stance in favor of the so-called "fair tax," a national sales tax to replace the current income tax.

"It was the fair tax, plain and simple," Nierodzik said. "We need someone, Democrat or Republican, to introduce the fair tax, put a face with it and remove some of the misconceptions and misunderstanding about it."

For Diane Kyle, a mother of two, it was Huckabee’s leadership.

"Our next president is clearly going to have to lead this country through some critical and challenging times," she said. "As a mother of two boys who will become young men during the next administration, I felt it was my duty to study the candidates and use my vote and voice wisely."

About a dozen adults were joined by 10 students from a government class at Maranatha
Christian Academy in Oakwood. While the students are not old enough to vote for Huckabee, they were enthusiastic in their support as they stood on corners of the square and cheered for the Republican candidate.

The Huckabee supporters tentatively plan to return to the square today to continue their campaign efforts, but concede that their plans may be hampered by the predicted snow.

Farrow said plans are underway for phone banks and other get out the vote efforts for Huckabee during the next week.