Michael Dale "Mike" Huckabee is the former governor of the U.S. state of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007. He officially announced his candidacy for the 2008 United States presidential election on January 28, 2007. Huckabee is the author of several books, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, public speaker, and a musician, playing bass guitar in his rock-and-roll band Capitol Offense. He is well known for losing 110 pounds (50 kg) in a very short time and advocating a healthy lifestyle. He and his wife, Janet, have three grown children: David, John Mark, and Sarah.