Huckabee heart Clinton

From Susan Milligan, Globe Staff

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has little in common, politically, with another member of the state's political class -- and another candidate for president -- Hillary Clinton.

But that doesn't stop Huckabee from complimenting the New York Democratic senator effusively.

``I have great respect for her,'' Huckabee said of Clinton in a conference call with reporters yesterday. ``Is she qualified? Sure. I think Republicans have underestimated her, both in terms of her political savvy as well as her overall skills.''

Clinton is ``different from me,'' Huckabee noted, speculating that Clinton would want a bigger government role in health policy, and might raise taxes. Further, ``I see a much deeper threat from Islamic fascism and believe it is at the heart of what we are fighting against. I think we'd approach international affairs differently.''

Huckabee is from Hope, Arkansas - the birthplace of former President Bill Clinton. And while Huckabee likes to joke about his roots on the campaign trail -- ``give us another chance!'' he tells voters about his hometown -- he does not disparage either Clinton at campaign events or in interviews.

``Would I vote for her? No. And I don't think she would vote for me,'' Huckabee said.