Huckabee’s judgment flawed on freeing felons

Four police officers were gunned down execution-style in a suburb of Tacoma, Wash. The suspect, Maurice Clemmons, was a man with a lengthy criminal record and a history of mental illness. He was granted early release from prison nine years ago by then-Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, over the strong objections of prosecutors and victims.

This isn't the first time a dangerous criminal received a commuted sentence from Huckabee. He also released convicted rapist Wayne Drummond, who went on to rape and murder two women in Missouri.

This should certainly sink Huckabee's presidential aspirations. It shows that his judgment is seriously flawed.

If Huckabee were a Democrat, Fox News Channel and the other right-wing blowhards would be tearing him to shreds for being an example of a soft-on-crime politician, but they're strangely silent. If Fox News decides to hold the politician accountable for early releases of violent felons, it knows where to find him - in its studio, as a Fox News host.

Roger Alton

Cedar Rapids