February 29, 2008
Posted: 04:30 PM ET

FORT WORTH, Texas (CNN) — Up against the ropes and in need of a good showing in Tuesday’s Texas primary to justify staying in the race, Huckabee told reporters in Lubbock Friday that his presidential bid will continue if John McCain fails to clinch the nomination on March 4.

“I guess we keep plugging away,” said Huckabee, “as long as people are contributing and giving us the capacity to keep going and we haven’t been defeated by the number of delegates that are required to beat us, then we’re still in it.”

Asked specifically what his plans are after the March 4 primaries in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont, Huckabee said he would go to Mississippi and Pennsylvania since they hold the next contests. He also noted that after Tuesday, the primary calendar is much more spread out.

Huckabee has argued in recent days that not only does McCain not have enough delegates yet for the nomination, but also that the Arizona senator may be unable to campaign between now and September, should the Federal Elections Commission rule he is subject to spending limits.

Asked if a sidelined McCain would benefit him, Huckabee responded, “[It’s] only good for me if nobody’s gotten those delegate counts because I could go ahead and campaign and he couldn’t.”

The former Arkansas governor has staked his future in the race on succeeding in Texas, but polls show him trailing McCain by almost 30 percentage points.

“We’re doing everything I know how to do, we’re hitting every community, every rally, our television [ads] went up,” Huckabee told CNN, “and you know, we’re feeling that we’re going to close that gap.”

– CNN Political Producer Alexander Marquardt

Filed under: Mike Huckabee • Texas


Norma Treese   February 29th, 2008 9:05 pm ET

He has every right to keep going. But the media has already chosen our two candidates. Our elections are more corrupt than most, if not all of the ellections held in third-world countries. I'm voting for the only candidate that could help us find our way out of the total mess we are in as a nation. Our dollar is headed fast for ) 0 value, our economy no longer functions , our good paying, long lasting jobs are gone, our American Dream was stolen , by our corrupt, lawmakers, corporate America has taken over and completely ruined our country and our economy. It will take a long time to put America back together. I'm voting for Ron Paul. There's no one else that has the inteligence to lead us out ohis terrrible disaster. "God Help America,"IF ANY OF THE OTHER CANDIDATES BECOME PRESIDENT."

ferpez   February 29th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

All we are saying is give peace a chance.

JohnQPublic   February 29th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

One has to wonder about the polls. Huckabee's crowds in Texas seem larger and more enthusiastic than McCain's.

Also the ARG poll for Republicans shows Huckabee only down 4%.
Their poll for the Democrats in Texas is close to the other polls except they show Obama with a larger lead.

One would wonder why they would be close to the cluster for Democrats but 15% or so different for the Republicans.

Since they do show an Obama surge such as has taken place in so many other states, one has to wonder if perhaps they alone have gotten it right on the Republican side.

Wouldn't that be a hoot. Lots of pundits would be wiping egg off of their collective face come March 5.

Whatever happens one has to admire Mr. Huckabee. He is proving himself a man of principle. What a refreshing change.

Sarah   February 29th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

I am glad Mike Huckabee is staying in the race. Republicans in states with later primaries or caucuses deserve a choice. Also, Mr. Huckabee still has a chance of winning.

Xanadu   February 29th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

Adding a comment cause there is none….Will there be another??

Go Huck '12

Janet, Missouri   February 29th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

This man truly is making a mockery of our election process. All of the joking around and wasting of resources in a lost cause truly disappoints me.

Rad   February 29th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

Does anyone think that Huckabee is just hoping to be chosen as vice president? McCain has already got one foot in the grave…maybe Huckabee hopes to be president if McCain croaks. Just a thought

JD White California   February 29th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

I think Huckabee should stay in as long he can, or at least until someone reaches that magical number 1,191. Go Huckabee!!!!

Love4Country   February 29th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Last week our family co-op group in the Dallas Fort Worth area in Texas, took its own poll. We only asked registered adult voters and here are our results from over 40 families we asked…

Do you consider yourself a:

Democratic 0% Republican 89%
Independent 7% Other 4%

As of today, these are the candidates still in the race. Whom would you vote for?

Clinton 7% Obama 4%
Paul 7% Huckabee 41%
McCain 11% Don’t know 30%

And most went on to say… They will not be voting for McCain come November and will write in or not vote for President.

Frank   February 29th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

The polling number of CNN is a joke, I just wonder how CNN can publish such irresponsible number.

sue fogleman   February 29th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

I have never seen or heard such ignorant comments as I have in this race..people upset because someone was called by their full name? How often do you hear Hillary Rodham Clinton..Is Barack Hussein Obama ASHAMED of his heritage or trying to cover something up? It really makes me wonder…stop all this politically correct junk. People who have never voted before have told me they are voting Hillary because she is a female, Obama because he is black, and I even had someone tell me they were voting for McCain because his wife is named Cindy. How PATHETIC has our country become? Also, the candidates need to pay attention to what is really happening —-the votes that Huckabee is getting are not all evangelical christians….many of them just want the FAIR TAX..

M. Martin   February 29th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Governor Huckabee has the most administrative experience of any candidate. He has charisma and leadership skills. He is my choice!

Kate   February 29th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Keep going, Huckabee. See you at the convention!

LadyLeo   February 29th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Good for you Huckabee.

CD from CT   February 29th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

GO MIKE ! Don;t let the negative PRESS get you down or out. They are not the VOTERS. There are still a lot of US out here who are just aiting to VOTE. Let the "others" spend their $$ Your day is coming. We are not voting for big spenders or war mongers. We need a calm clear thinking President who will get us ALL back on track.

jim Scottsdale AZ   February 29th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Mike go away and please read about Evolution.

William Davis   February 29th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

If the Baptist preacher can produce a good showing and it looks like he will, I am afraid that McCain will be in big trouble. Someone should bring him the Crystal Ball to look into his future at that time so he can see the results of the General Election in November 2008. This way he can spare himself the painful loss to the White House.

Thanks.

Bill Davis

Darth Vadik, CA   February 29th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

You keep pluging Huckster.

Stacy Clarks, Texas   February 29th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

is this guy for real?

Bola Muyis   February 29th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Hmm, looks like the Clinton machine is not so effective.

Elizabeth   February 29th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Good luck Huckabee.

Elizabeth   February 29th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Huckabee don't slow down one bit.. Would like to see debate with McCain.

Mike in Austin   February 29th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Mike Huckabee = Ralph Nader

Just likes to hear himself talk…

hsmith   February 29th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

I attended the Plano TX rally for Huckabee with several thousand people. Today, at A&M the Rudder Center couldn't house all the crowd; apparently, some 1500 were unable to get in and gathered outside. He was at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, and people down there were begging for another visit. Huckabee is a dynamite speaker and can make do with little money. The number of cities he visits in one day is mind-boggling.
He would be an inspiring Republican nominee, and he is an incredible orator, and has real conservative positions on the issues. Let's what happens on March 4th - my vote is for Huckabee!

Byron in CA   February 29th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

I hope Huckabee does well, it will be a big disapointment to all those Republicans voting for obama to get him as the one to run agaisnt McCain because they switched parties to try and keep Hillary out. Come on Republicans vote for obama, that way you can lose two for the price of one when Hillary is POTUS.

Brandon   February 29th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

When will this guy fold it up? I'm not even a Republican, and think he's making a mockery of himself.

Willy   February 29th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

You go Mike!!!!

Michael   February 29th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

PS: When is the debate with McCain?

Michael   February 29th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Keep fighting the good fight, Mike! You've got my votes of my wife and I here in Texas.

Joe C   February 29th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Hucks I really like you but its time to call it quits.

Farren Ballanst   February 29th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

How cute. My little dog barks at the moon. He reminds me of Huckleberry.

Ricky Marlin, New Orleans, LA   February 29th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

It seems like with Huckabee being the Christian leader, a miracle sign from the holy ghost would make him the nominee.

Franky   February 29th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

I gotta say, I like "The Huckster", he's a good person. Plus, I think we seen more of "Chuck Norris" in this election than the last 2 years combined! Going old-school baby! LOL!!!

Praetorian, Ft. Myers, FL   February 29th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

You know he's such a slugger. You've got to admire his tenacity and his humor. If we had open primaries in Florida–I might have even tossed him a "mercy" vote.

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