DALLAS — On the resignation of Gov. Mike Huckabee from the Country Music Association board, Jason Yates, CEO of My Faith Votes, releases the following statement:

“According to its website, the Country Music Association promises to ‘respect and encourage creativity and the unique contributions of all.’ Apparently, this statement doesn’t apply to those who may serve on the board of its Foundation for promoting music education programs.

“Through his own testimony, Gov. Huckabee has shared that music transformed his life. On the state and national level, he has worked to ensure schools and communities have access to music teachers, music programs and instruments. It’s this very work that prompted the CMA Foundation to elect Gov. Huckabee to its board in the first place. But Gov. Huckabee’s personal faith and political views did not sit well with some in the industry, and those few were quick to express their displeasure and threaten the CMA. Writing in his resignation letter, Gov. Huckabee said, ‘Someone who has never met me threatens to wreck valuable programs of the CMA Foundation because of a personal contempt for my faith and politics. I am willing to get out of the way for the sake of the students the Foundation will hopefully help.’

“Gov. Huckabee’s noble decision to step aside rather than jeopardize the Foundation and its goals is more than proof that he’s exactly the kind of person that should be on the board. My Faith Votes finds it wholly unfortunate that an organization which prides itself on promoting the blessing and beauty of music has allowed a few critical voices to hold an entire industry hostage. This situation has proven that politics, not music, is what’s most important to the Country Music Association.

“For decades, Gov. Huckabee has walked the talk, always serving everyone while hold on to his beliefs. If you ask me, commitment to one’s principles is a strength, not a weakness. My Faith Votes is proud to have him as our honorary national chairman.”

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My Faith Votes is a nonpartisan movement focused on motivating Christians in America to participate in local and domestic elections. By partnering with local churches, pastors and national faith leaders, My Faith Votes mobilizes and resources Christians to lead the conversation on the place of faith in culture and politics. Gov. Mike Huckabee serves as the organization’s honorary national chairman. 

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