LIVERPOOL -- Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee was in Central New York Tuesday night, speaking at a conservative recognition dinner in Liverpool.

Huckabee did not endorse any local candidates but he did take on President Obama's administration. Huckabee hosts a show on Fox News, which the White House has said is not a real news network.

Part of the reason Mr. Huckabee failed to make an endorsement in the 23rd District Congressional race was, he said, to keep the focus on the honorees at the dinner. The honorees included judge Peter Corning, former Onondaga County Executive Nick Pirro and others.

Attendees paid $125 per person for the dinner, and $500 for some "VIP" time with Huckabee.