Huckabee launches super-PAC

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) has launched a super-PAC as he mulls whether to embark on a second bid for president, The New York Times reported on Thursday.

The group, called Pursuing America’s Greatness, will be led by Iowa operative Nick Ryan, who worked for a PAC supporting former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum (R) in 2012.

{mosads}“I am excited about the opportunity to help Governor Huckabee,” Ryan told the Times. “He is a man of great integrity and it is a great opportunity to help enhance his vision for a stronger and more prosperous America.”

Huckabee has not been one of the more closely-watched Republicans considering a presidential run — like Florida’s former Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Marco Rubio — but the super-PAC could boost his chances.

Huckabee last ran for president in 2008, when he won the Iowa caucuses but ultimately fell to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). He took a gig as a Fox News host, but has since left the network to consider another White House bid.

Santorum, who eked out a victory over Mitt Romney in Iowa in 2012, is also considering a run. He and Huckabee would likely be two of the more socially conservative members of the field. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who launched a campaign last month, has also made it clear he will look to appeal to the same base.