Huckabee Faces Another Test For Values Voters
It may be a little early for accurate '12 scientific polling, but 17 GOP candidates will appear on the ballot at this year's fifth annual -- and decidedly unscientific -- Values Voter Summit Straw Poll in D.C., hosted by the Family Research Council Action.
Candidates on the ballot this year are Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN), AZ Gov. Jan Brewer, NJ Gov. Chris Christie, IN Gov. Mitch Daniels, Sen. Jim DeMint (SC), ex-House Speaker Newt Gingrich, ex-AR Gov. Mike Huckabee, LA Gov. Bobby Jindal, VA Gov. Bob McDonnell, ex-AK Gov. Sarah Palin, Rep. Ron Paul (TX), MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Rep. Mike Pence (IN), FL GOV nominee Marco Rubio, ex-MA Gov. Mitt Romney, Rep. Paul Ryan (WI) and ex-Sen. Rick Santorum (PA).
DeMint, Santorum, Bachmann, Pence, McDonnell, Huckabee, and Romney are scheduled to speak in person at the event. Pawlenty will be abroad on a trade mission during the event, but he will speak via video.
At last year's event, Huckabee emerged as the favorite, garnering 28% of the votes cast. Palin and Pawlenty also had strong showings. Huckabee also holds a narrow lead over Romney in very early IA polling, showing that he still retains a good measure of support and goodwill amongst GOP voters stemming from his '08 bid for president.
But Huckabee hasn't exactly made his interest in the '12 race clear, unlike others mulling a run in '12. Pawlenty, Gingrich and Santorum are all making inroads into IA, while Romney is actively meeting with GOP power players like David Koch and hosting lakeside barbecues in NH with his '08 campaign staff.
Huckabee, on the other hand, has been busy with a number of projects, including his weekly FOX show. He's certainly tried to play kingmaker in a number of GOP primary races (notably GA GOV). But his travel schedule to important states like IA and NH doesn't necessarily suggest an active campaign in the early stages.
Still, Politics Daily's Suszi Parker reports that Huckabee's under-the-radar approach may serve him well. He's built himself a national brand with his TV appearances, and he retains a good deal of support among the GOP electorate.
It remains to be seen if all the politicking that Pawlenty, Romney and others have engaged in recently can pay off amongst party faithful. The Sept. straw poll may be an early indication.
I think it is a very silly for the Republican agenda. They sound like to support with Newt Gingrich contract with America. They love to help the rich people than poorest people. They refused to listen Jesus Christ's own word, to told the rich ruler!! Jesus Christ said sell the possessions and give it to the poor. That is Jesus Christ own WORD, he is a living son of GOD !!!!!!!!!!
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