Quick Facts on the Humble Huckabee

Dec 6 (Reuters) - Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee has made a quick rise in the opinion polls in the early voting state of Iowa, in part due to growing support among the state's sizable bloc of religious conservatives. Following are some facts about Huckabee.

* He became governor of Arkansas in July 1996 when his predecessor resigned. In 1998, he won a full four-year term and was re-elected in 2002. He left office earlier this year. Huckabee was elected lieutenant governor in 1993 during a special election, and re-elected in 1994.

* Before entering politics he was a Baptist minister, leading congregations in Pine Bluff and Texarkana, Arkansas.

* Diagnosed in 2003 with Type II diabetes, he began an intensive health regimen that helped him lose 110 pounds (50 kg). He later completed four marathons and wrote a book on how to live a healthier life, "Quit Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork."


* Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, he recently said of his campaign: "It's better to be called a dark horse than a dead horse," and, "There's three tickets out of Iowa -- first class, business class and coach. We hope to have one of those because otherwise you go home freight."

* Huckabee plays in a rock band called "Capitol Offense," and has opened for country singer Willie Nelson.

* He's married and has three grown children. The 52-year-old Republican was born in Hope, Arkansas, also the birthplace of former President Bill Clinton. (Writing by Jeremy Pelofsky and Paul Grant, editing by Jackie Frank)