Who Are the Huckabundlers?

Mike Huckabee isn't telling who's helping underwrite his campaign.

WE KNOW his campaign is understaffed and overwhelmed. We know it's been kind of a busy time in presidential politics. So we didn't expect an instant answer when we asked Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign late last month whether the former Arkansas governor would release the names of his big fundraisers, as the other leading presidential candidates have done. We didn't expect an instant answer when we renewed our inquiry after the voting in Iowa and New Hampshire. We asked again last week -- by phone and e-mail -- without receiving a response. We're beginning to get the sneaking sense that dealing with this inquiry is not exactly at the top of the Huckabee campaign's to-do list.

Here's why it matters -- why Mr. Huckabee ought to release the names of his big financiers. While Mr. Huckabee is far from being the best-funded candidate, he, as the others do, relies on a group of well-connected individuals to help him round up checks. It's important to know not just who gave a candidate $250 on the Internet but who helped bring in thousands. For instance, two of Mr. Huckabee's financiers -- their identities are known because their names were on an invitation to a Huckabee fundraiser -- are involved with an outside group that is conducting negative phone calls on Mr. Huckabee's behalf in key primary states. Which other big Huckabee backers are among those financing the group, Common Sense Issues?

As we've said before, achieving disclosure by having editorial pages harangue candidates isn't optimal; there ought to be a law. But the other leading candidates, with varying degrees of eagerness and precision, have revealed the names of those on whom they rely to supply campaign cash. Now that Mr. Huckabee is playing in those big leagues, it's fair to expect him to do the same.