Even though the media has all but declared Sen. John McCain as the Republican presidential nominee, Gov. Mike Huckabee is ignoring influential party member's advice and staying in the race, at least through the Texas primaries on March 4.
Huckabee's harshest criticism and deepest scrutiny may not be from his opponent McCain, but from highly regarded members of the GOP such as George H.W. Bush and Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Bush Sr. is expected to formally endorse Sen. McCain Monday, and according to the Associated Press, privately indicated that he feels the party would benefit more if McCain could focus all of his attention on winning the general election now rather than later.
Gov. Perry called directly to Huckabee's campaign Thursday and asked that the Arkansas governor step down before the state's primaries.
The last thing the Republican party needs is to be divided heading into the convention, like the Democrats likely will be. Andrew S., Knoxville Republican"I told that him while I appreciated it, with all due respect, since he was already on someone else’s team that I had to discount his advice since he had a vested interest in my not winning and McCain winning," Huckabee said in reference to Perry's call.
"Since he was endorsing my opponent, the recommendation rang a little hollow to me. Again it was a cordial conversation but not one that I would take seriously," he continued.
In an e-mail to supporters after Gov. Mitt Romney's endorsement of McCain, Huckabee asked for contributions so that he could "win Texas and reclaim the momentum in the race," he said.
"We are laying it all on the field in Texas," the e-mail reads, which later mentions that $1.5 million is necessary to be competitive with McCain in the state's March 4 primary.
Huckabee said he realizes the numbers are stacked against him. Romney won 286 delegates before dropping out and Huckabee has won 217. If all of Romney's delegates switch their support to McCain, the Arizona senator would have an 899-delegate lead and be only 75 away from the nomination.
However, Huckabee was quick to point out that it should not be assumed that all of Romney's delegates will be given to McCain.
"Well, the question is, will they go there?" he asked. "We heard all along that the reason they were with Romney was because they were splitting with me over the conservative wing of the party."
While Huckabee is optimistically hoping that the majority of Romney's delegates will be distributed in his favor, a Detroit Free Press report claims that McCain will pick up most of Romney's Michigan delegates.
The same has been widely reported about Nevada and Utah.
For the time being, Huckabee will still focus on getting enough votes to keep McCain from reaching the necessary 1,191 delegates, and defending his decision to stay in the race.
"I think it would be a great disservice to the country and to my own party to just give up and quit because it looks like, you know, the numbers are trending toward John McCain."
Watch Huckabee's explanation for staying in the race
Knoxville's Reaction
"The last thing the Republican party needs is to be divided heading into the convention, like the Democrats likely will be. If Huckabee doesn't drop out before March 4, he should be ashamed."
--Andrew S.
"Huckabee is right for staying in, even though he has no shot at this point. It's good to keep pressure on McCain for a while."
--Harrison W.
"Ron Paul is the best candidate, and if Huckabee dropped out the media would be forced to look closer at him."
--James T.
"McCain should focus all of his energy on building a campaign against Barack or Hillary, Huckabee will drop soon enough and be a non-issue...at least much less relevant than the democratic opponents."
--Robert G.
"Even though it might take a miracle, I still believe that Huckabee is the best man to lead our country. Until he steps aside, I'll keep believing that he has a shot at becoming the nominee."
--Susan V.
* Survey conducted outside of Hodges Library on Saturday, Feb. 16. All participants were randomly selected.
Comments
Kim D. commented, on February 16, 2008 at 9:35 p.m.:
I don't think the media should be placing John McCain as the GOP nomination, as it has been doing, for several months in advance. The media is supposed to be non-biased facts. Huckabee is a great candidate for president, and I am praying for him. I believe he can win and I hope he will not drop out. I don't see why any voter would want to be told that their vote doesn't count because some powerful people in Washington already decided who they want as president, and in essence that is exactly what they have done. It's ludicrous.
Huckabee for President!!
d hanson commented, on February 16, 2008 at 9:43 p.m.:
Why should he quit? He has every right as an American citizen to continue this race!!!!! He did not make the rules and until someone has 1191 delegates there is no WINNER!!!!
And if no-one has the 1191 delegates then it is go to the convention floor. I am so tired of the biased media and people in the news saying its ALL OVER!!!. No its not! They said that about the NEW York Giants too! Well sorry to burst your bubble folks but it ain't over until its over and you cant decide that. The people of America still have a right to vote! So you will just have to put up with things the way they are for awhile..
This scrappy little army is getting mightier by the minute!!
And you just may be forced to print a miraculous BREAKING HEADLINES story for him VERY soon.
Beth commented, on February 16, 2008 at 10:05 p.m.:
Governor Huckabee's campaign is American grassroots politics at its very finest. Those of us who support his candidacy have worked long and hard, and we have asked our candidate to remain in this race in order to make our voices heard.
We are tired of "politics as usual", and the dictates of the GOP brass. We are sickened by the insincerity of politicians like Mitt Romney, who have denounced McCain repeatedly only to embrace him in order to further their political futures.
Mike Huckabee is the only candidate with a tough stand on illegal immigration (and a thorough plan to address it), the candidate who stands for Second Amendment rights, the candidate who believes in American sovereignty, who believes in the sanctity of life, who has an excellent plan to rejuvenate this country's economy...and who never flip-flops on his principles. He's also the only one with true executive experience, as opposed to years of legislative experience as a Washington insider.
There are millions of people who have not yet voted for their choice for GOP candidate for the presidency of the United States of America. Is ours not a country that will allow all to be heard?
Politics Editor commented, on February 16, 2008 at 10:31 p.m.:
Hanson,
I would love to write a story about Huckabee coming back, it would be one of the best comebacks in recent political history and would make for a great story.
The Dallas Business Journal cites TCUL poll (link at bottom) as showing McCain leading Huckabee 45 to 41 percent in the Longhorn State, so who knows? If Huckabee comes up with the funds and takes Texas, he has a legitimate shot at turning around the momentum.
Fact of the matter at the moment is that Huckabee himself has acknowledged that it would take a "miracle" for him to win. He would have to take nearly 3 delegates for each 1 delegate McCain picks up to finish with the 1,191. That being said, miracles can happen.
For future elections, however, I think it would be best for the Republicans to switch to a proportionate system so more people truly have their voice heard, instead of having four to five states decide the election. If a proportionate system were in place this election, McCain would be far from the run away favorite that he is.
- Politics Editor
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/storie...
Joyce commented, on February 16, 2008 at 11:20 p.m.:
Apparently the republican party and the media doesn't get it. We, the voters in states that haven't yet voted, are excited by the possibility that our vote really does matter this year. If Mr. Huckabee drops out, I, for one, will be disappointed that my voice was not heard. I honestly wish that we had a fair primary system in which all states vote on the same day. I think that instead of allowing a bunch of biased ads, the government should sponser a series of 3 nationally televised debates over the course of 1 month, followed by each candidate giving a 30 minute stump speech. The voters would each be responsible for doing their own research of the candidates, and no advertising would be allowed until AFTER the nominees were chosen. This way all candidates would start on a level playing field, and all voters would have an equal chance to have their voice heard.
Marine Patriot commented, on February 17, 2008 at 12:02 a.m.:
Trust me, the Republican party is already divided. We don't like what you did to us or what you are doing to Mike Huckabee.
The party failed to stop unethical campaign tactics by Romney which have no place in our society. Also, the Republican party did not crack down on what happened in Washington State. And now the Republican party heads think that by intimidating Huckabee will bring unity to the party?
I am ready to spit on the party. Not only is "Washington" broken, so is the "Republican Party." I am ashamed to be a part of you corruption and greed.
We are supposed to have a transparent and fair selection process. We fought tyranny over 233 years ago to be FREE! Now we have to deal with your fear and intimidation. OPSEC briefings in our military teach us that fear and intimidation is what terrorists use against people to get their way.
Bush senior's endorsement only tells me that he too is caught up in the coercion for the coronation of a fair nomination process.
Huge numbers of us have signed pledges for a Mike Huckabee only vote. Mccain will not get ours, so say goodbye to your plans.
David Shedlock commented, on February 17, 2008 at 5:04 a.m.:
I appreciate your concerns, Joyce. But it would be wrong to go down the path of the government funding elections and limiting free speech. Do you really think that a government in charge of elections would be fair? Don't you realize that they would pick which candidates could be in the debates (Huckabee, who was at 1% a year ago, would not have been allowed in!). Let's consider it a wonderful proof of the benefits of freedom that Mike Huckabee has gotten as far as he has without the benefit of public funds nor party backing.
Reuel commented, on February 17, 2008 at 5:12 a.m.:
"In May of 1860, the votes of 233 delegates were required to win the Republican nomination. Abraham Lincoln arrived at that convention starting only with the support of the 22 delegates from Illinois. He went on to win the nomination."
Why are some in the GOP trying to deny Huckabee the opportunity to get nominated at the convention?
Huckabee should not quit because he has the right kind of VOTERS in the usual RED states supporting him. Many states that gave McCain the extra delegates are usually blue states that will be carried by the DEM (winner take all)in NOV. anyway. So unless the GOP nominate Huckabee, it will most likely lose the election to the DEM.
McCain had better stand aside gracefully or stand as VP.
Grassroot voters can send a CLEAR & LOUD message by helping HUCKABEE win the remaining primaries.
Jeanne commented, on February 17, 2008 at 9:07 a.m.:
According to the story above, "Bush Sr. ... feels the party would benefit more if McCain could focus all of his attention on winning the general election now rather than later."
Heck, if McCain and his arrogant minion of me-toos think he's the only one who has a chance, what is stopping him from "focusing all his attention on winning the general election?" What would he do differently than he can't do now?
Maybe he's just not so sure he's got the votes. He hasn't got mine.
Melanie commented, on February 17, 2008 at 3:47 p.m.:
Huckabee's supporters are unwilling to confront the errors that cost Huckabee the nomination and many of them continue to focus on Mitt Romney as if he were the reason that Huckabee is not succeeding, even though it is John McCain that has been the front-runner for some time.
Perhaps this is explained by the fact that Huckabee also seemed oblivious to whom his main rival was -- and had blinders on to everyone but Romney.
Had Huckabee not let his religious animosity towards non-evangelicals rule him, he would likely not have offended and alienated many Americans who would otherwise now be supporting him.
These were his errors -- and they are indicative of how he would run the country. Huckabee would let his prejudices blind him to the truth that is right in front of him.
Lagomorph commented, on February 17, 2008 at 4:20 p.m.:
With all due respect to the large Christian Republican demographic in the Southeast, it does look to me as though there's an elephant in the room that no one wants to mention, and that is that there are millions of secular Independent and moderate Democrat voters whose votes are desperately needed to overcome the incredible 2:1 voter turnout advantage that Democrats currently enjoy over Republicans in the primaries.
I like Mike's values and his optimistic style, perseverance and good humor. But unless all of the commenters above Melanie intend to become grassroots Republican activists who will dedicate themselves solely to creating a mighty army to get the vote out between now and November, the truth is that even though John McCain may be the imperfect conservative candidate, he is still the most electable on our side of the aisle.
As a security conservative, I can forgive McCain his past mistakes on issues such as immigration and trust Jack Kemp, Steve Forbes, Jeb and H.W. Bush, George Allen, and other true conservatives who assure us are lessons learned which will not be repeated. What I cannot forgive is throwing away the lives and treasure of Americans who did not ask for this war, but who still stepped up and sacrificed so much over the past 5 years to try to bring a better life to the people of Iraq and bring down a heinous and evil Jihadist enemy. We can thank John McCain for turning a losing proposition into a surge that is working. In my humble opinion as a Navy vet, Mike Huckabee may be a fine executive but he lacks military experience and I do not believe he'll be the commander in chief we need in this perilous time of war. Make no mistake, we will be tested exactly as the UK was when Tony Blair left office. And when that happens, neither Huckabee, Clinton, or Obama can come close to an experienced warrior like John McCain. I hope that Mike has another opportunity to seek the Presidency in a more peaceful time, and that you will all rally to John McCain for the greater goal of defeating the Democrats in 2008.
Jeanne commented, on February 17, 2008 at 5:25 p.m.:
Lagomorph,
Huckabee may lack McCain's POW medals and military might, but Huckabee has better communication skills and a greater understanding of how religion plays a role in the divisions not only in America but around the world. The idealogies we are facing are based upon history, including that documented in the Bible. Who better understands the historical significance of faith better than Huckabee? I'd rather have a man who is more inclined to respect and communicate with other cultures, countries and faiths in order to achieve peace than one who is more committed to what he himself said could be 100 years of war. My children deserve prosperity, peace, and a promising future. Huckabee can deliver.
Lagomorph commented, on February 17, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.:
Jeanne, one does not have to be ordained in order to understand the role religion plays in the world's cultural and political divisions. Ronald Reagan was a man of great Christian faith who certainly understood its historical significance but did not regularly attend church, even during his Presidency.
Every child deserves prosperity and peace, yours included. McCain's acknowledgement of the scope of radical Islam's commitment to never-ending conflict simply illustrates to me how well he really understands this threat we now face. Iran's goal is to create an apocalypse which will usher in the return of the 12th Imam, their Mahdi. These are not people who will be inclined to sit down for coffee with either Huck or Barack, regardless of how much they support multiculturalism and diversity, and negotiate until both sides have agreement, and there is absolutely no way that the mysoginist male rulers of Muslim countries will accept Hillary Clinton's authority.
You must know that the goal of Hamas is to retake Jerusalem, and the goal of every Evangelical Christian I know is to see the Temple rebuilt in the same city. With Huck branding himself as not merely a conservative candidate but as the Evangelical candidate, I feel like this is a setup for foreign policy failure - an area where Huckabee admitted to very limited experience during the debates. In fact he even made a statement that he would ask John Bolton, former U.N. Ambassador, to advise him - at which time Bolton said he'd never discussed it with Huckabee, after which he went on to endorse John McCain. In a roundabout way via John Bolton, Huck himself points to the fact that McCain is by far the more adept candidate in security and foreign policy matters.
David commented, on February 17, 2008 at 9:37 p.m.:
Leave it to the "People Who Know Best" in the Republican Party to ensure the election of a Democrat. Ronald Reagan won in spite of them, and Bush 41 became a one-term president. They should stop annointing John McCain, and let the party members decide.
That said, should McCain win the nomination, I'll still support him over any Democrat, even in spite of his being a chief sponsor of the McCain-Feingold Act, which I still regard as unconstitutional, no matter what the Supreme Court said. (What part of "shall not be abridged" did they not understand?)
Jim commented, on February 17, 2008 at 10:49 p.m.:
Joyce, I like your idea of voting on the same day nationwide. I vote in GA and by the time we voted on Super Tues. all but 3 had dropped out. I voted but I felt cheated, like I didn't really have a choice.
But I think David Shedlock is right. All ads are going to be biased towards the candidate they are pitching. Who do you want to censor them? The govt? Not on your life. David is right they would never let the smaller candidates have a voice - they would pick them. Anything that limits free speech is bad that is why so many people are angry about McCain & his campaign finance reform - all it did was limit my freedom of speech and ability to make my voice heard by supporting the candidate of my choice.
Politics Editor you should explain what you mean by a proportionate system for those of us who are new to this. Thanks.
cons3rvative commented, on February 17, 2008 at 11:21 p.m.:
I am glad that I'm not alone in feeling angst at the media for their hijacking of our election process. Rediculous! I stopped trusting the news this year! I used to like Hannity,CNN, not anymore. Fox is the worst and I'm hurt that MSNBC is the same- goodbye Joe and Micah (sniff). Even Associated Press is publishing garbage about Huckabee and Paul and lifting up Romney now McCain. What happened to reporting the news and "objectivity". The media's swaying of this election for the "establishment" fat-cats is ludicrous! It's like we the people don't even matter!
Here are some buzzwords that draw your attention. "electibility", "Presumptive nominee", "Coelesce". Huckabee won Ga, Al, and then when he was about to win Washington, Luke Esser stopped counting the votes! (can't wait for their regular primary)Turns out Luke esser is an underling for a guy who runs McCain's campaign! Why didn't the news grab this? Why didn't Mccain say something? I thought he was honest at least. Why did they report that Huckabee was "crying foul". grrrr. I pray Huckabee beats Mccain in Texas. Even though I'm conservative, I used to like Mccain because I thought he was honest; before the media and his endorsers stood up and I realized how this whole thing seems rigged.. Where did our democracy go? I'm glad Huckabee is still in the race, I pray I can point him out to my kids and say with pride "look, there is our President."
sam commented, on February 17, 2008 at 11:27 p.m.:
I think that the Republican party has turned against its base and there aren't any true conservatives in the race.
Anytime the national media supports a republican like they are doing with McCain I'm suspicious. They are trying to pick our candidate. Either they think he can't win or they think he is so much like a Dem. that there isn't much difference anyway.
McCain has stabbed us in the back so why won't he in the future? 1) He voted against Bush tax cuts. 2) He voted for campaign finance reform. 3) He is for amnesty for illegal immigrants to name a few. He has a nasty temper and he is arrogant. What a charmer.
Huckabee has no experience in the military. He is weak on the economy and on immigration. I am an Evangelical Christian and Huckabee has infuriated me. He goes around to these mega churches to "give his testimony." As if to say (just like Jimmy Carter did) come on I'm a nice guy & a Christian and that is all that matters vote for me. If I was having brain surgery I would ask the dr. a whole lot more than if he was a Christian. I think we have start thinking with our brains and not our emotions. And another thing he did that I thought was over the line was insulting Romney's religion. While personally I'm not for the Mormon thing - if Huckabee wants freedom of religion he'd best extend it to Romney. I do like that he supports the fair tax. I don't know if he could win in Nov. but if the Dem's keep going they may destroy each other for us. All the powers should just shut up and let him run and let the voters decide who they like.
So where do the true conservatives go? Please don't say Ron Paul. He believes in UFO's. He would also yank the military out of Iraq and give us our 2nd military defeat of our nation's history.
But who then Obama? Hillary? I guess we just have to vote holding our noses don't we?
jj commented, on February 18, 2008 at 3:39 p.m.:
There will always be a channel around campaign contributions. Open up all campaign contributions to any U.S. citizens. Post the amounts and contributors on the internet and let everyone judge for themselves whether it is an appropriate donation. Let the people see who is bankrolling the candidates. Yes, Bush did sign it and that makes me angry. Conventional wisdom at the time was that it was obvious that the Supreme Court would strike it down because it was obviously unconstitutional. No excuse for that though - be man enough to take the heat for what is right. But then throw that back to McCain - all it was for him was revenge at the expense of our constitution and here I am going to be forced to vote for him. There are good guys out there but where are they? Under a rock?
Janet commented, on February 18, 2008 at 3:46 p.m.:
Note to Politics Editor: Why don't you just go ahead and write an article on religion too and see which gets more heated?
Politics Editor commented, on February 18, 2008 at 4:23 p.m.:
Do presidential endorsements effect your vote?
http://tnjn.com/2008/feb/18/george-hw-bu...
Lagomorph commented, on February 18, 2008 at 5:31 p.m.:
LOL - Jane, if you think this debate is heated, then you are fortunate enough to lead a very sheltered life on the Internet. In my opinion, those involved in this discussion are just about the most literate, intelligent, well informed, civil and polite groups with whom I've had the great good fortune to interact. I left Maryville, TN for California about 30 years ago, and y'all are making me homesick...
Editor, I voted absentee ballot in an early primary long before endorsements, so no - they didn't affect my vote (nor would they now).
Jessica commented, on February 20, 2008 at 9:18 p.m.:
"unethical campaign tactics by Romney?"
REALLY? Romney was AHEAD in West Virginia before McCain and Huckabee teamed up to make sure he lost that state.
There is absolutely nothing attractive to me about Huckabee. He dodges questions in debates and pushes his fundamentalist Christian agenda to a point of wanting to re-write the Constitution to fit God's standards. I am so sick of the Fundamentalist stranglehold on the GOP--not every candidate needs to be a Bible-thumping Baptist.
However, I'm as unhappy with McCain as I am with Huckabee. Neither are conservative, and McCain has said and done things to completely alienate the conservative base. I have no idea who I'll be voting for in November...
ginger commented, on February 25, 2008 at 12:38 p.m.:
I'm for Huckabee. Most republicans I know are debating whether they will even vote if Mccain is our choice. Check out www.100abortionpictures.com
Then you might realize those who belittle this horror or can ignore it are the extreme, the sick......... Mccain would be supportive of the babies than Obama and Hillary.
David Shedlock commented, on March 1, 2008 at 2:46 a.m.:
In Iowa, Mike took a muckin' and kept on Huckin'
Let's hope he can do the same in Texas, Iowa and maybe even Rhode Island.
www.mikehuckabee.com
Bobby Weenur commented, on March 11, 2008 at 11:40 a.m.:
this story is amazing.=]
i feel in love with it after the words "Even though".
now i want to meet this man.=]
think he would like to talk to an 87 year old woman?
if so....email.
oh wait..
cant give out my e-mail.
sorry.=[
=/