(CNN) – Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney may be high up on John McCain's shortlist for VP, but Mike Huckabee suggested Thursday the Arizona senator would be wise to pick another candidate.
Huckabee, whose victory in the Iowa caucuses derailed Romney's campaign last January, suggested the former Massachusetts governor is distrusted among many social conservatives.
"I think the issue is that, you know, in many ways, Mitt Romney has had very definite swings of position, not just on one or two things, but on many of the issues," Huckabee said Thursday on Fox News.
Romney ran as a social conservative, though he acknowledged he was effectively pro-choice until 2004 - a fact that spurred charges last year of political posturing from many. Despite outspending Huckabee overwhelmingly in Iowa, social conservatives there resoundingly picked the ordained minister and former Arkansas governor.
Huckabee likely isn't making friends with the McCain campaign of late. In addition to criticizing Romney - now one of its top surrogates - the Arkansas Republican will reportedly attend a rally on the National Mall Saturday to push McCain and Obama to delve further into issues facing evangelical voters.
But Huckabee said he will support the Republican ticket, no matter who the vice presidential candidate is.
"I'm going to support our nominee," he said. "And I'm more interested in who the president is than who the vice president is, anyway."
As for his own chances of being named McCain's running mate, Huckabee said he isn't counting on it.
"I've said, for many, many months, now that I have no expectation that I'm going to get that phone call," he said. "I even have my cell phone turned off, as we speak."
From CNN Politics
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"social conservatives"
Pardon, but isn't that an Oxymoron?
I thought he went away...
Do I hear trouble in the Repgs camp?
the claws are coming out.
I think Romney would be a much better canidate for VP, than
Huckabee. Romney is a very smart business man, and that is what we need to try and turn the economy around.
"definite swings of position" Then he's the perfect running make for McCain – they can both flip – flop back and forth together.
I also think McCain would be wise to consider anybody but Romney. In my opinion, Romney wouldn't even make a good used car salesman (no offense to good used car salesmen). He says anything you want to hear at any time to get what he wants. Huckabee would be a much better choice. But of course, I am a Democrat and won't be voting for McCain and his VP anyway.
I guess Huckbaee told McCain off – - LOL!
Jessica yelling and John king are good advocates for McSame. Talk to them and they can get you on to the top vp list
HUCKABEE's ACTUAL TRANSLATION!
Pick me! Pick Me!
Oh please pick me!
OBAMA 08!
This had been planned by the Republican machine or else he would not quit persuing his Presidential nomination and could have win it.
You think this is a clean deal better think again!
..... His Best Days are Behind him ... no matter who he picks.
What does huckaberry know about this? He lost and nobody wants to hear from him. Let John pick his running mate he does not need your help.
You have your phote off because you would be the WORST choice in the history of chioces for not only President, but Vice aswell.
McCain looked deeply into Putin's eyes and saw...himself.....
JohnMccain=WorldWar3
I am a moderate republician and feel that the far right is wrecking the party. They haven't figured out that every step to the right is a step further from the white house.
Oooh my, my, my! Dissension in the Republican ranks!
Huckabee continues to sink to new lows. He puts a bad face on religion and conservatives in general, which is unfortunate. He and many of his backers have been propelled by religious bigotry since day 1 of his campaign, and he clearly hasn't stopped. Their campaign has always been more anti-Romney and Mormons than pro-ANYTHING, and it still continues. It amazes me that their organizations continue to expend so much time, money, and energy fighting for their "religious" cause of keeping Romney out of the white house. It's a shame, because Romney is probably the most qualified candidate we've had in years, and is a stand-up person with a squeaky clean history to boot.
Who asked him???
Romney would be a better choice than McCain. Maybe they could change rolls.
A race where the religious right becomes almost irrelevant again – just the issues? Wouldn't that be nice?
I agree I have alot of respect for This man! He would have been a mnuch better choice for the GOP but the radical right crushed the voices of the party base and once again found a stool pigeon they can use to spread there message of hate, lies, and intolerance. I hope for the GOP and this country that someone stands up to and gets rid of these brainwashed extreme right radicals.
Boy I hope Huckabee is McCain's pick.