At the start of the election campaign Huckabee was expected to win the election easily with a poll in July showing him 16% ahead.[2][3] Fisher began the campaign by unveiling plans on issues such as prescription drugs, education and domestic violence.[3] She also attacked Huckabee for mismanagement and likened him to a dictator for his response to criticism over cost overruns in a new computer system.[4][5]
Huckabee's record as Governor became an issue in the election with Fisher's campaign attacking Huckabee for granting clemency to violent criminals, including a rapist.[5] However Huckabee responded that he had signed more death warrants and executed more people than any other governor of Arkansas.[6] Huckabee called on voters to support him due to the progress in education, health care and the economy during his period as governor.[7] Huckabee also criticised Fisher for receiving help from former governor Bill Clinton, describing him as having had his turn.[8]
Huckabee's lead in the polls declined as the election neared, with a poll in September showing him with a 12% lead and one in mid-October showing him 10% ahead.[3][7] Near the end of October a poll showed Huckabee only 2% ahead of Fisher.[5] Huckabee's campaign was hurt by his wife's struggling campaign to become Arkansas secretary of state; voters were concerned over the couple holding too much power, with polls showing Janet Huckabee over 20% behind.[5] In late October a fundraising letter from Huckabee's campaign described it as in crisis.[5] Huckabee was also sued by his daughter Sarah in his role as governor in a lawsuit he wanted to lose. This came after a state court ordered that students should be removed from the voting rolls in Arkadelphia. Huckabee suggested his daughter join a federal lawsuit which succeeded in getting the students restored.[9]
