WASHINGTON (CNN) - Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee won the Values Voter Summit's 2012 presidential straw poll Saturday, grabbing nearly 29 percent of the vote in a crowded field.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Indiana Rep. Mike Pence each won roughly 12 percent of the 597 votes cast.
Four of the top five candidates addressed religious conservatives at the three-day Values Voter conference in Washington this week - the kind of attendance seen as a significant gesture by activists here, especially in an off-election year. Palin did not make an appearance.
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, which hosted the conference, said Saturday that Huckabee had "potential," but stressed that the former governor's strong showing wouldn't translate into automatic support from the FRC's political action committee. "We want a fully-rounded conservative candidate," he said. "Right now, the door's wide open."
Mitt Romney's remarks here this week touched on social issues, but focused on economic and security policy. By contrast, Huckabee's speech dismissed calls for social and religious conservatives to move toward the center. "I'm not sure the center makes a whole lot of sense when it's coming from people who certainly don't have our interest, or our country's interest, at heart," he said.
The former Baptist minister nabbed a surprise victory in the Iowa caucuses last year, largely on the strength of grassroots support from religious conservative voters.
In his summit speech earlier Saturday, Romney stressed his unbroken string of conference appearances. Romney - a Mormon who has long made an effort to connect with evangelical voters - had nabbed victories in several similar recent measures of conservative presidential preference, including the Conservative Political Action Conference straw poll earlier this year, and the last Values Voter Summit contest, held in 2007. He narrowly defeated Huckabee that year in a vote that was open to voters who cast their ballots over the Web. This year's vote was limited to conference attendees.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum were the other candidates on the straw poll ballot. All grabbed single-digit shares of the vote.
The FRC said Saturday that they believed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, one of their 16 top congressional targets for 2010, was looking increasingly vulnerable. Other names on the list are Tom Perriello, Steve Driehaus, Glenn Nye, Betsy Markey, Walt Minnick, Parker Griffith, Alice Titus, Mary-Jo Kilroy, Ann Kirkpatrick, John Boccieri, and John Murtha in House races, and Robin Carnahan, Michael Bennet, Paul Hodes, Christopher Dodd and Harry Reid on the Senate side, all Democrats.
Follow Rebecca Sinderbrand on Twitter: @sinderbrandrcnn
From CNN Politics
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Obama vs Huckabee -Obama landslide victory! the party of NO has no candidate right now that can really pose a threat to Obama in 2012
Palin didn't make an appearance? That is so Palinesce! That she even got 12% is disturbing.
he will have my vote for sure.
Golly gee, this is better than finding an Easter egg!
This is scary and sad. His only qualification is his religion.
I don't agree with Mike Huckabee's politics at all, but I like the man. I think he is honest and honorable. He is head and shoulders above the rest of the nut cases running in this poll. He would be a worthy opponent for Obama. If he picked Colin Powell as a running mate, they could give us a run for our money in 2012!
Meaningless! I am republican, but Huckabee is far from my choice.
It doesn't really surprise me that Hucakabee would win a straw poll since that usually only includes the party faithful. But there is no way he'd win when you factor in independents and some democrats which is what will happen in the 2012 primaries (at least in the states that cross party voting is allowable).
It's hard to take a poll like this seriously if it leaves out Ron Paul...
Chris-So you are saying that the government regulation provided for in such agencies like the SEC, were under Republican control and unable to detect a Bernie Madoff scheme when provided how many letters of warning? Or Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with Franklin Raines at the helm were tanking while he grabbed a $90 million CEO bonus? Are you trying to say that the Republicans controlled those bureaucratic nightmares that burst your bubble theory, I thought the regulatory aspects of enforcement and compliance would function under our established laws as legislated by House and Senate? I think there is probably a lions share of responsibility for both parties, problem is there isn't a lions share of ACCOUNTABILITY for any of them. They are all still in office and all still doing the same stupid stuff to appease either a voting base or a lobbyist group.
What a revelation from above ... hallelujah for the hallelujahs ... Just put your hands on the television and say ... cheesy.
Have a lot of respect for Huckabee. He speaks his mind and usually is right.
Why is this a "surprise" candidate? Huckabee, for better or worse, expresses the values of most real Republicans. He would have gotten more votes than McCain in 2008.
Why is everyone surprised?
I have a word of advice for all of you Religious Right Theocrats out there who are supporting MIke Huckabee because you want a President who will seek to impose Judeo-Christian Theocratic Law on our country, it's citizens, and it's residents.
If ANY of you have Medicare, Medicaid, or employer-based healthcare insurance, and CAN'T afford to pay for your own healthcare insurance out of your own pocket, I would STRONGLY suggest famiilarizing yourselves with Mike Huckabee's vision for healthcare in this country.
You just MIGHT want to change your minds about who you will be supporting for President.
BTW-The vast majority of voting Americans will NEVER elect a Religious Right Theocrat for President.
IT ain't gonna be Huckabee.
ya none of them will WIn will have Dems run the show for long time..... Obama will take second term
It's pretty frightening to think of our country being controlled by the religious right. They don't support democracy but rather a system of governance on what they think their god would want. The conservatives talk about socialism and communisim, but this form of government would be no better. It would take away rights of the people and install a national church that would control our land. I believe in God and values but not as a governing body. You people are sick and scare the hell out of me.
Like winning the gold medal in the special olympics....
Oh yeah, the Christ Cultists Candidate of choice.
Why would anyone want their faith mixed with the most corrupt insttution society has is beyond me, but as an atheist I support their effort because it weakens religion in the long term.
Keep it up guys, Atheists have been growning in numbers for a few decades now. I don't think the God in politics is working out the way you want.
Why, when straw polls are taken, are entire results never given. Is it too much to ask that names and number of votes be just listed???
Huckabee would make an excellent President.
But Huckabee, Romney, Pawlenty, Palin, Pence, Jindal, Paul, any Republican in the House or Senate, any Republcian governor, anyone randomly picked from a list of registered Republicans, the conservative eagle character from the muppets. All would be an improvement on Obama in 2012.
On one issue alone, getting Obama out of office would save America.
The deficit. Under Bush, the deficits were large, but the CBO and economist never said they were not sustainable, that they thereatend or nations future. Obama inherited the largest deficit in history and instead of taking steps to decrease it he piled on. And in the middle of the worst recession in decades he has been pushing more and more spending so fast it makes you dizzy. And he wants to pass cap and trade that would choke the economy. He wants to make us believe that a trillion dollar health care bill will actually reduce the deficits. Which health care bill is that? Non of the current bills in the House or Senate have been scored by the CBO and shown to reduce the deficit by one penny, the HR3200 bill is scored as incresing the deficit by 240 billion. The health care reform bill that will reduce the deficit does not yet exist.
This insanity has to stop. The difference between the Bush deficits and the Obama deficits is about the same as between Godzila and the Geco lizard. And how do the left respond to the deficits? They say Bush had them too so shut up. Yeah, that will make them go away, good job lefty morons.
These so-called "Values" voters are fooling no one but themselves.
They have distorted the notion of values almost as much as they have distorted all that is real and true about Christianity itself.
And why do these people think they alone vote according to values?
I'm a voter.
I vote my values.
And my votes probably better reflect the values inherent in the faith initiated by Jesus of Nazareth over 2000 years ago than theirs do.
Besides, Mike Huckabee is a pandering ham whose political career – beyond his uninteresting talk show on Fixed News – is over.
Everyone knows how much these so-called "Values" voters like to be pandered to by hypocritical politicians like Mark Sanford, David Vitter, Larry Craig and John Ensign, who all got elected because they spouted nonsense about their supposed family values.
They can have Wannabe.
Of course the Huck-ster would win at a convention of religious conservatives; he's a Baptist Minister for cryin' out loud.
The Progressives would relish Huckabee in 2012. He would lose in a landslide.
This is all the GOP has left, the religious right and rednecks who hate Obama because of his race. Pathetic.
Obama 2012
Too bad Huckaby's political philosophy will hurt Seniors on pensions and social security, middle income Americans, and the poor in America just like all the other Republican, so called conservative, candidates.
You cant pass laws and make people Honest, Truthful, or believe in God, but if thoese who claim to be belivers in the Christian Faith would use the most powerful weapon on earth PRAYER and pray our leaders would turn back to The Lord or be removed from power our problems would soon be a thing of the past. Its time Christians quit trying to defeat EVIL alone but let GOD fight the battle for them.
So Huck sucked up to the moral majority crowd the most huh? What a guy. I was hoping "spanky" Duvall would win, he represents Republican "values" the best.
Huckabee a "Surprise Winner" with Values Voters? Really?? How about Marilyn Manson or Snoop Dogg. Now THAT would be a surprise.
The very mention of Newt Gingrich, hypocrite par excellence, and Sarah Palin, wacked out former beauty queen, in this poll indicates its utter irrelevance.
Guess what?-hypothetically, if the republicans won all of the races they mentioned as vulnerable, the Democrats would still have majorities in both the house and senate!
Why is this a surprise? Look at the field. Would you buy a used car from any of them (and I include Palin)?
if it's huckabee against obama, obama will win a second term. probably independents and some republicans won't vote for a former baptist minister. sure huckabee will get the support of the republican base but it won't be enough to beat obama as mccain and palin found out.
"IF" the US survives Obama. We might be owned by someone else, if we don't ACT NOW! Obama needs to be IMPEACHED, PRONTO!
What The Huck!
Back to the drawing board, TPaw - you're going to have to come with some even bigger, even more ludicrous lies about your "successes" in Minnesota to appeal to the "value-less" voters.
Or maybe you should have an affair and blame it on the Democrats. That will bring the looney Republican fringe to your defense!
If so here comes the anti-Christ!
I am a life-long conservative Republican, and believe that we have to turn up a better candidate than Huckabee. He has the name recognition, due to Fox show, but I don't know if he can establish the countrywide appeal which is necessary to win the presidency. To me, he's a little too "Mister Rogers." I find him difficult to listen to.....same for Sarah Palin.
Wow, I wanna vote with people who think dinosaur bones are the devil's tricks.
Does Huck truly and honestly believe that the center doesn't have the interest of the country at heart???really??? I expected much more from him then pandering. As for cnn....why is it the only time you mention a False statement by Fox is when the subject of the lie is your company. I see You have no problem in identifying lies when your company is accused falsely, but where is your ethics when a story is published on your site or broadcast you know to be false...where is your outrage then CNN?
Religion should not be part of politics. Race should not be part of politics yet they both are.
If these candidates spent as much time on the real issues instead of on race and religion, we might get something done.
If they spent less time on blasting our president instead of helping him, we might have a better country.
They are interested in only their own agend whether it is good for America or not..Egotists to the top degree.....
Get religion out of politics.Get race olut of politics. Neither one helps the situation.
Religion is all myth anyway and race is the same. We are all one under the skin, not black, white, or yellow and religion is all manmade so get it out of politics and change the world in a positie way.
Huckabee- stay strong. You are the ONLY conservative that I would vote for. There is NO other possible candidate in the Republican party that I have faith in anymore.
Oh please oh please oh please oh please...
I think the time has come for this country to have an honest discussion about what is TRUE conservatism and what is NOT.
While I am not a "conservative" myself, I DO understand that there is a HUGE diffenrence between TRUE conservatism, represented by people like Ron Paul, and THEOCRATISM, represented by people like Mike Huckabee and Dr. James Dobson (As well as the late Francis Schaeffer, D. James Kennedy, and Jerry Falwell).
A TRUE conservative wants to reduce the Federal governments role in regulating our personal lives as much as possible. This applies not only to economic issues, but also to social issues as well.
Religious Theocrats, however, are a completely diffent story. They want to subjegate the entire country to Judeo-Christian Theocratic Law. They want the Federal Government to regulate our personal lives according to their interpretation of what they believe the Bible teaches. They believe that our personal freedoms and liberties as Americans MUST be subjegated, by law, to the teachings of Scripture. This is NOT conservatism. This is THEOCRATISM.
There many theocrats, like Huckabee and Dobson, who like to identify themselves as "conservatives." But in reality, they are NOT true conservatives at all.
I believe the Republican party, over the next few years, is going to have to make a difficult choice. Are they going to be a TRUE conservative party? Or are they going to be a Religious Theocratic party?
As I said before, I think the time has come for us to have an open and honest discussion about what TRUE consevatism is, and what it is NOT.
Mike Huckabee is NOT a conservative.
Come on down hahahahahahaha
This group needs to go and stay in church and leave the important stuff to sane and logical people.
Well, one has to look on the bright side CNN...at least your political reporters will have work , at least until 2012. And to think you thought God didn't answer prayers! smile
Just one more conservative idiot to deal with next time around. We can hardly wait till the Republicans start having there Town Hall meetings. What goes around will come around ten fold. And they are going to get it.
Nice!! They are already working towards being elected President of the United States. U-N-I-T-E-D we are not. Support our present President Republicans and shock the nation. Divisiveness has no part in our country. Stop the demoralizing of our current President and roll up your sleeves and work on behalf of the people. ALL PEOPLE not just your own ideological views. We need to address ALL AMERICANS, ethnic groups, religions, sexual preference, and class. When we are UNITED on these views we can truely move forward in this country. Moving towards and idea that all americans make up America will be a start but republican party I will align myself with the party who is more in line with the people. Every year I ask myself if I can be a part of your party and I am stumped at not being in line with your party. I think indirectly your party does not include all americans. At your next conference remind your party that America is not just white, rich, christian and my head will start turning in your direction to listen. Until then my republicans I will just tune you out.
It's all about the lesser of all of the evils. Republicans need to re-invent themselves to be credible at all.
Wow, the GOP slides even deeper into anarchy. Huckabee can't win a national election, especially not against Obama. And he doesn't pull the party together. In fact, he is just the type of leader that will sheer off the moderates even as he energizes the far right base.
Values voters indeed. That's how the GOP lost in 2006 and 2008. Hope you all like the woods.
Keep in mind that those of us who apparently lack values ... out number those claiming to have them by a vast majority ... so, eat your hearts out GOP hypocrites! Now, just what are Sarah Palin's values ... beyond spewing hate? Those claiming to want "their" Amerika back ... would love to see us revert to those good ole days before civil rights ... they're just not honest enough to admit it!
Huck is definitely the least repulsive out of all those current candidates, but seriously, the GOP needs a new face. I can't imagine one of these people actually making a serious bid for the White House, maybe in 2000, but not in 2012...the world and America has changed...Americans are by and large looking for intelligence and competence in their leaders. The days of the "awe shucks" red neck politicians are over. Thank God!
He must be another Sucker??
birthers, deathers, antiabortionist, nazis, neo nazies, southern christians, racists, folks that want to take the USA back 200 hundred years, calhounist, and just plain old right wing haters all aboard for the tea party express, last stop Values Voters Conference.
So what? Huckabee, Romney, Palin and Pawlenty aren't even good enough to be called 21st century Adelaide Stevensons. They can win and lose straw polls until 2012 and none of them will even make the Republican ticket.
Dear GOP: Run Huckabee in 2012. Please. I want eight full years of Obama.
Lousy field of candidates, but Palin's name should be last.
The bible thumpers voted for the preacher, now there's a shock!
Oh please, I'll laugh so hard if it's Huckabee vs Obama in 2012. What a discouraging time it must be for the few remaining old-school, common-sense Republicans like my elderly parents.
anybody but Palin... please
Wow, a whopping 29%!
These "Values Voters" are the same far right that will help the GOP lose the 2012 election. THey value themselves and their own ideology, and that's about all they value.
Cute. "Values Voters". What are their values? Unjust war, racism, men cruising for men in bathrooms, cheating on your wife and leaving your state high and dry, just plain cheating then crying crocodile tears? Yeah. love those values.
So old F$ckamee won a poll, big deal.
This is one of the worst human beings in politics!! He's annoying, a liar, a pure evil!!
Who is this guy???
Couild we see someone new please? This is same old same old. No one on the scene now is cut out for 2012. And please, not another conservative. Too way out on religion, war, morality (yes, morality includes more than sex), Too way out on dishonesty, greed, finger pointing, and stuffy speeches. How about Mayor Bloomberg? He appears to be a normal, intelligent, thoughtful, honest, personable, successful leader. Why are you stil pushing inadequate, perhaps not too intelligent extremists as Huckabee and Palin? This party is never going to rise again unless you put aside all the 08 losers and get the people back.
The GOP should take a deep breath and remember Obama has only been in office a short while. Too soon for wishful thinking for the GOP folks.
Palin 2012.
i will love to watch Palin-Obama debate, if Palin does not quit before elections.
Kick Obama to the curb, and put him in now!
Go Huck!!!!!!!!
Ok, honestly, is that the very best we can expect?
Anyone approved by the religious zealot faction of the Nutsi Party should not attain any position of power. In fact, all the candidates in the straw poll are the cream of the whack-faction crop.
I wonder when the conservatives will recover from this disaster and start coming up with ideas and vision and decency and sanity?
I wonder why some party like the Libertarians do not make a big move to become the new face of conservatism, for there are a lot of people who just cannot stand what has happened to their party. Huge opportunity being lost here for a third party to become the second party and to bury the carnival freak show that the Republicans have become.
Thats right Huckabee...don't move towards the center. That way you can make an even bigger joke of the Republican party than it has already become. Like a bad sitcom.
After seeing the conservative values for the last 15 years, you can take those values and shove them where the sun don't shine, just don't EVER preach values to me.
whoopie!!!
For a group which claims to follow Jesus.....what a bunch.....sarcasm....denegration of each other....focus on the money.....and a political agenda that Jesus would have no part of. I hate to tell people I'm a Christian....not because I am ashamed of Jesus...but becase the far right is so very much unlike Jesus...and I am ashamed of them.
We were told Sarah Palin only seeks the spotlight. By not showing up, she proves her attackers wrong. She is going to Hong Kong to give a speech, but it is a private meeting. You would think if she is only interested in being in the Klieg Lights, she would want the speech open to the media.
Okay Demcratic Senators and Representatives: I hope you are paying attention. Stop your petty bickering and pass healthcare or this pack of knuckle dragging idiots will be in charge again. After what happened last time I don't know if we will survive so get your butts in gear.
"Values" voters????...let's hear them support the value of every life that is not covered by a health care plan like the rest of the western world, let's here them call out the people at rallies that shout and carry racist posters and tell people outright lies., let's hear they condemn the endless greed of the corporations, and let's hear them cry out at the outrage of there being homeless children and long lines at food banks in a country that claims to be the richest country in the world.
Then MAYBE they can call themselves "Values Voters" and insinuate the rest of us don't have any!!
Why is this a surprise? The Republicans have become a theocratic party, basing their preference for candidates on nothing but their religious beliefs. That's the only reason Sarah Palin got as far as she did, and the only reason Bush Jr. won the primary. If they looked at Huckabee's economic record, they'd faint, because he has one of the worst economic records of any elected official anywhere. His knowledge of foreign policy is nil. But Romney is a Mormon, and there's no way the Christian Evangelicals who have a chokehold on the GOP will ever accept him. So I'm not surprised at all that they're going for Huckabee, even though his only qualification is being a Baptist Minister. Today's Republicans look no further than that.
Obama will crush any of these dweebs in the 2012 election. Bring 'em on.
Christian conservatives are certainly big on divisive language. They refer to themselves as "values voters" and suggest those who disagree with them "don't have ... our country's interest at heart". Everything drives towards establishing the idea that disagreement is immoral and unpatriotic.
The Republican Party is in tatters – thanks, "W"!!!
Isn't the current governor of Arkansas the one who wants to murder any woman who didn't let one of her 500 menstrual cycles turn into a baby? He also wants to murder any doctors who help women with their reproductive health. (Or is it one of their other elected officials...)
And doesn't Arkansas have some of the lowest rates of literacy and high school graduates and health care coverage, along with some of the highest rates of teen pregnancy and unemployment? Plus there's that creationist museum with exhibits where humans are riding on dinosaurs. You know, since the world is only 6000 years old. (!?!)
Yeah, evolution-denying people from Arkansas politics are who I want running the country. Those evangelical Arkansans REALLY represent the rest the country and our best interests for a positive future for everyone..... (yeah, everyone who is a heterosexual white dogmatic antihistoric christian)
In your redneck dreams. Ha hja ha ha ha ha ha ha
What i do not understand is the whole "value voter" thing? These people seem to me as being morally bankrupt. They hate anyone that is different them them. They will not even consider or tolerate any different ideas. The are self righteous and mean. I doubt anyone of them would help another even if they were on fire. Now i saw that Carrie poor looser at miss USA say how disgusted she was with all the intolerance. Question of the day... Is it hypocritical to not tolerate the intolerant? The way i saw what she said was that she is mad that people are frowning on her hatred and judgmental ways. She of course can disagree with homosexual marriage. That is her right and her answer was NOT why she lost. Like i said, what values, i am my brother keeper. I try to judge not, for i will be judged. God made and LOVES all people, not just the Christian extremist right GOP. God did not choose the GOP>
huckabee, the most socially conservative republican i can think of, is selected by a convention of social conservatives is news?
i'm a social liberal before all else so let's get that bias out there. however, i find it laughable that the Rs think they're the natural beneficiary of a failed D administration.
one, that's an awful outcome considering the current state of things. it's also awful considering their role in getting us to where we are. if the Ds fail, they'll be kicked to the curb with Rs and we'll see our first independent.
we had our day with GWB's conservative social agenda and it did nothing but distract and divide us.
Here is a man who wants to change the Constitution to fit the Bible!
What are Republicans doing? They like a woman who is anti science and who knows nothing of the world, a guy who is a preacher, and who knows who else?
I am sure that most intelligent Republicans are cringing as they read these polls!
It's a good thing so-called "Values voters" preferences are indicative of the country as a whole, because they are apparently idiots.
Who cares? We don't need more right wing nut jobs in high places who will continue to deny Americans the health care we deserve.
GOP can never win with Huckabee anywhere near it. He is the leader of the Christian Taliban!!! Get rid of him!
The party of the Klan. How can they have a meeting and have no shame at how their room looks. NO African American, No Hispanics, Not to many women and hardly any young people. Stay out in the wilderness ReKlans men, that's where you and your old racist ways belong.
big deal, people want to vote for someone that almost completey bankrupted the State of Arkansas while the economy was going strong. Shows the intelligence level of the GOP.
OMG.. please don't start up with stories about the next presidential race.. give it a rest.... ENOUGH already
Huckabee is an idiot.
If he would have dropped out earlier we would have had Romney instead of McCain.
Stay out of the race Huckabee. Do your talk show and stay out the presidential run. We cant afford to have idiot Obama for 8 years.
Values? really? I'm about to vomit
"A fully rounded" religious conservative??? I guess that must mean one of the fat ones! If the US voters want to mix religion in with politics, look no further than the perfect model of theocracy, Iran. Huckabee in Farsi translates to "Ahmadinejad", and I believe Romney translates to "Camel boy".
Palin, Huckabee, Romney, Gingrich, Jindal, Paul, and Santorum..........right now I'd take any of these folks over what we have now.
Obama will be weak in 2012 because his polocies are reckless. Palin showed us that the country won't tolerate the right wing social conservatives running things. If the republicians want Obama to win in 2012 they should nominate that goober Huckabee. If the republicians want to win in 2012 they need a moderate o run against the leftest radical Obama.
Can't wait to see who Huckabee appoints Flat Earth Czar.
Romney 2012!!
V V S = Vile Violent Scary.............all the repugnants are
We need someone NEW!
Hope it is Huckabee......once he starts opening his mouth and spews all that zealous religious rhetoric and hate...there will be no contest. Obama 2012!
F R C= Failed Racist Cowards.....those CONServatives
The return of the 17Th century
If huckabee shows even and inkling of support in 2012 you can kiss the gop goodbye for 4 more years.
I really like Huckabee. During the debates, he made the most sense out of all the 'publicans, him and Ron Paul. He'd make a great match against Obama (if he has a decent running mate (please not Palin). This is going to be a great big toss up in 2012 (if we make it!).
(cnn: I wrote something good about Ron Paul, so let's see if you post this since you all were part of the media that liked to hurry him through his answers and pan away from him to Romney and McCain)
It is funny how destructively divided the Republican Party is, they won't be winning any elections anytime soon. They'll keep losing like they did the last three elections, America is tired of Conservatives.
You know, this story might be the final straw that makes me stop visiting cnn.com for "news." It's 2009. The next presidential election is in more than three years. And yet you're talking about it as if it's tomorrow.
Oh, and by the way, 597 people at a "Values Voter Summit" should not be seen by anyone as "significant"–I don't care what year it is.
my fellow liberals.......they already started and will finish soon as well......what is their solution to the problems we face or have been facing for 8 years??......they offer ZERO...but score points with those CONServatives who cannot even think for themselves.....bunch of sorry suits
The reason he won is because HE HAS VALUES. Many of the others are full of feathers for the lack of a better word. Not one of them has the conscience nor the integrity to do the right thing and that is to help get this health care bill passed for the PEOPLE not Obama. The people want it and I have visited some of the republican offices and have seen their bill and it is not too different where they could get together and make it perfect or at least better. I asked Tom Price's office why can't they get together with the president as he seems to want many of the same things and I was told they don't like the wording in his bill. The wording, I said...that can be adjusted so you won't agree to get together because of the wording...how ridiculous. Bottom line, they want Obama to fail and it is so obvious. The only person with integrity is Olivia Snow who has been working tirelessly as she understands it is more important to help the people than the party. When it passes, and it will pass...I hope the names of these people will stay with you. YOU are not their priority....their own self image is the priority. They are also in the pocket of the insurance companies who have made 400% profits in the last two years. How much profit did you get on your accounts? We are fools if we let this opportunity pass.
Huckabee and Romney!!!? What year is it anyway!!!?
Not a surprise ... I hope he clinches the Republican nomination. He would lose to Obama, big time.
"Values" voters are killing the Republican party. There's no way Huckabee will win the nomination, much less a general election.
So if one is not a part of this group does it mean they have no values? Or, are of no value? Any group could meet in a room and cast ballots for any mumber of names. That wouldn't make it in any way significant.
What – an Evangelical wins a straw poll at a conservative Christian conference? Color me shocked! (The FRC is anti-Mormon, so it's no surprise that they wouldn't support Romney.)
Huckabee putting a beatdown on Mitten. You got to love it. I mean Mitten spending his own money actually talking economic policies then ol' Huck spouts some redneck theology, acts about as dumb as his tag along Chuckie Norris. The votes comes in and like always dumb ol' Huck puts a major beat down on Mitten. Reminds you of the old Burt Reynolds movie where those intelligent well versed city boys while canoeing got introduced to those hillbillies.
What is a "values" voter?
More than likely a hypocrite. The republicans and their code words
crack me up. And why do they always seem to need them? To cover up their 'real' meanings?
Praise the Lord! Huckabee's a "dead duck". Mitt, save your bucks. Wait until 2016 and see if the GOP every loses these goons.
Who's values?
Many are worried about government run health care? Watch out for mandatory sign up for government run religion.
Does anyone else feel looked down on when references like Huckabilly's "Values Voters" are made? Who are non-value voters, voters who hold no values? Do value voters value the strident, baldfaced lies on Fixit news????
Gov. Huckabee is a straight shooting honest politician. It would be easy for me to get behind Gov. Huckabee in time and money. There is NO comparison when you compare Gov. Huckabee to the current President. Gov. Huckabee is prepared to make the hard decisions necessary in this day and times and stear this country back to more conservative budgets and foreign policies. Because President Bush's admistraition was so unpopular the American People voted President Obama in as a "Change" alternative – not realizing just how far to the left President Obama would go. No president is capable of fixing everything but if Gov. Huckabee were elected in 2012 he might be able to adapt some budgetary conservativism that might prevent the total collapse of the U.S. Dollar and likewise the U.S. Economy!
This is a sad field of candidates. If this is the competition, Obama has nothing to worry about - almost no matter what he does. Come on, GOP.
This is a surprise!
I'm a Conservative and really...who cares?
How appropriate, the conservatives are leaning towards a potential nomination of a minister to lead their party. They seriously want to turn the US into some type of theocracy like the ones we are battling in Afghanistan, what does that say about the Republicans. Im sorry but religion has absolutely NO place in American governance.
CNN John King et al, just dont get it. The jig is up for the GOP.
Americans know what the Republicans stand for. They are the party of no new ideas, and the party of white, southern people only.
Ummmm... how is this a "surprize?!" Huckabee has been a major force in politics for several years. Isn't it about time people start taking him seriously as a politician and stop the nonsense of always describing him simply as "the former Baptist minister?" He hasn't been a minister for over 15 years.... Oh well, I guess it's easier to marginalize someone than to seriously consider their ideas...
What I can't believe is that Sarah Palin takes 12% of the 600 votes, the same as Romney and Pawlenty. The fact that she's considered a serious political candidate for any office shows how far Republicans have sunk.
Is this just another republican trist to decide who has values, and who
doesn't, who is a "real" American and who isn't . And by looking at
the makeup of the audience, it is quite clear just who the people are that think only they possess "values".
Surprise winner of the "Idiots Ball" is more appropriate.
I would put the 'long shot' up also especially if i knew i wasn't going to win anyways. Why put a viable candidate on the ballot; that would be like 'putting your Country first'.
By contrast, Huckabee's speech dismissed calls for social and religious conservatives to move toward the center. "I'm not sure the center makes a whole lot of sense when it's coming from people who certainly don't have our interest, or our country's interest, at heart," he said.
... If this is the best the "front-runner" of the honorable opposition can come up with, that Liberals/Progressives are not only wrong in their ideas but that we do not, even, have our country's interest at heart, then, clearly, that is the 21st Century equivalent of calling one's opposition "Communist". The opposition is, plainly, beyond desperate and have moved back, some years prior to the "McCarthy Era", not to mention the Scopes Monkey Trial, etc.
This is, truly, a very sad time for our nation. History will record that but so many would just rather allow themselves to be caught up in true "mass hysteria".
"Obama's talking to my children with subliminal messages!!!" Eeek!!
Uh huh!!
Please, please don't start already with these meaningless straw polls. Give us a break, the election is three years away for goodness sake. And for CNN to be hyping this as the lead story tells me it is a very slow news day. C'mon CNN, grow up, I expect more from you!
Why is it a 'surprise' that Huckabee won in this setting? He has already shown a willingness to pander to the worst elements of the far right, in a futile search for national prominence. He already said he doesn't believe in evolution, and that the universe was created in six days, which even most theoligians don't believe in the strictest sense. Next up: Neil Armstrong did NOT land on the moon, and the Earth is flat. Up is down. Night is day. Right is wrong. Oh wait, THAT one I believe in, too.
AND?? So!!
Huck-A-BYE MIKE
and PA-LENTY's no good
Take with you PALIN
and Mitt Romney too
'Cause you all are such losers
Put your TRYING on shelves
Because it will be OBAMA
In two thousand and TWELVE!!!
Ah! Ah! I'm a poet and don't know it!!! LOL
Huckabee/Palin is what the doctor ordered. America needs to get back on track.
How is this a surprise?
The conservatives can give it up right now. They can give-up their attempts to win the office of President, namely because they're against killing babies (abortion) but they are 100% behind the NRA. As a result of the NRA's successful idiocy, we have now grown accustomed to not a day passing by without several gun shootings and killings for all kinds of motives.
They can forget the White House, because there are millions of Americans without Health Insurance but they don't want to force the hands of the Insurance companies to bring the cost down. Why? The reason is clear; they are for big enterprise over the average citizen. They say "they want" Health Insurance for everyone but, oppose the Public Option which would make it affordable and would create competition for their protégés, Big Insurance.
They say "we shouldn't incur more deficit spending" but when their previous idiot hit the White House, he wiped out a $2 Trillion Dollar Surplus that was created by the Democrats from 1992 to 2000. When the same idiot went to war "to finish the job that his Dad had not of Regime Change in Iraq", under the twisted lie of Weapons of Mass Destruction, he created a huge deficit, and they didn't say a word.
We are the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn't have Universal Health Coverage for all of its citizens. People of other nations used to look at us as a place where they would want to live, but that's no longer true.
For that and their family value hypocrites, No GOP for Me.
I've always been a Huckabee fan (which puts me in the minority on CNN) and am really glad to see his political future continuing to progress in the right direction. I voted for him in the last primary and will in this one too.
So the bible-thumping nuts voted for the head bible-thumping nut. Now if the real Republican Party would just get rid of the lot of those self-righteous bigots, maybe us real Republicans would get back on board.
Why is that a surprise? Huckabee is one of these Religio-Facists anyways. Of course the brown shirts of the far right FRC would support as big of a Neanderthal as he.
BWAHAHAHA!!! That's the best they've got? Geez...I needed a good laugh today, and the Republicans are always good for one! Just the fact that 12% chose Palin-the-quitter is enough to make me giggle...
Christian conservatives would be foolish to ignore Ron Paul yet again.
Zzzzzzz....slow news day, huh?
Let's see. The Vegas odds of Huckabee winning in 2012 are 250 to 1; for Mitt, 200 to 1. It must be a slow news day for CNN to run this non story for two candidates who cannot win their own party's nomination.
The GOP is already going over it's list of losers.
Nothing like an early start, eh boys?
Good that means the republicans will never win!!! Huckabee is to socialy conservative to win over Independents!
To think Huck is a preacher – he who has forsaken his Christian values of loving and forgiving thy neighbor to follow the values of the Neocon's of hating and deceiving thy neighbor! I hope he is proud of himself – because the man upstairs is not!
Republican's = Incompetence!
Why is Huckabee a surprise. He is an ultra right wing social conservative pastor (who doesn't thing everyone should be covered by basic health coverage...I'm glad Jesus wasn't like that)
12% per cent Romney? Are you kidding and your think you are coming in second...... Yoke, Yoke.
Doesn't pay to beat up on women and kids, one day the Romney family will realize that. Don't you think it is time to call your cronies off. - vicious trying to leave people homeless, what type of religious people are you anyway?! Don't answer already know, the kind that cover up.
Hopefully, next election some judges will be off the bench too, which have been aiding and abetting.
The party of No is crossing Palin's bridge to No-where.
Please, if these guys are what the GOP has, the Fat Lady is singing.
What surprise, Talibangelicals like Huckabee.
These people would love to see a theocracy like Iran here. The only difference, in their narrow minds, god is on their side.
Sure, the Born Agains give Huckabee the lead in a 5-way race. Good thing that the American Taliban won't get over 50% in a general election. They blessed us with Dubya. Once was enough to prove why separation of Church and State is a good idea.
Pawlenty nor Huckabee nor Romney will ever get my vote.
The conservatives can give it up right now. They can give-up their attempts to win the office of President, namely because they're against killing babies (abortion) but they are 100% behind the NRA. As a result of the NRA's successful idiocy, we have now grown accustomed to not a day passing by without several gun shootings and killings for all kinds of motives.
They can forget the White House, because there are millions of Americans without Health Insurance but they don't want to force the hands of the Insurance companies to bring the cost down. Why? The reason is clear; they are for big enterprise over the average citizen. They say "they want" Health Insurance for everyone but, oppose the Public Option which would make it affordable and would create competition for their protégés, Big Insurance.
They say "we shouldn't incur more deficit spending" but when their previous idiot hit the White House, he wiped out a $2 Trillion Dollar Surplus that was created by the Democrats from 1992 to 2000. When the same idiot went to war "to finish the job that his Dad had not of Regime Change in Iraq", under the twisted lie of Weapons of Mass Destruction, he created a huge deficit, and they didn't say a word.
We are the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn't have Universal Health Coverage for all of its citizens. People of other nations used to look at us as a place where they would want to live, but that's no longer true.
For that and their family value hypocrites, No GOP for Me.
597 votes cast? Straw polling what, 8 months into Obama's term? What the heck, CNN? Does the horse race ever end with you?
Not to mention, Huckabee doesn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of ever becoming president, or does anyone that conservative. Hint: throughout its history, America has become progressively LESS conservative, not MORESO. In fact, this is true about human history as a whole. Eventually, people disprove or run out of stupid reasons to treat each other poorly.
Values??? Conservative values that is a JOKE!!
Look at their values. Greed, denying health care to their countrymen, racism, fear, homophobia, adultery . . . .
There is NO such thing as conservative values they hate everyone who is not white, greedy and straight (in public).
Why is this shocking? The religious arm of the Repub party are all about Huck. Too bad the the normal, moderate conservatives are all behind Romney.
Ol' Huck's a nice guy, but he can't beat Obama. For that, the Republicans will need more – Romney, or even Gingrich. 2010 and 2012 can be big years for the Republicans, but they'll have to choose their candidates smartly.
Go Huckabee 2012!!!!!!!
173 votes out of 597 shows they are not unified. But if the nominee is one who Tony Perkins enthusiastically supports, the candidate is doomed.
Big deal...theyare just a bunch of right wing wack o doodles....who would you expect them to choose?
well, I'm jumping ahead, but Clinton was from here, and if a few more make it, then ...
During the election was mislead in believing he was what he showed to be... but once he took that fox news program realized he was just better at politics not ethics..
For most Democrats this is too good to be true. Bring him on.
All I can say is enjoy while it lasts Mr. Huckabee because if the one person who can really unite the GOP decides to enter the race in 2012 then Obama will have a tough Re-election. I'm talking about Joe Scarborough. There's talk of him running for Senate for the state of Florida unless he's change his mind but either way if that man enters the presidential race then it will become very interesting and I would love to see Rush, Sean and the rest of the Neo-Con's try to tear him down...He wouldn't let get to him. He swings back and he swings back Hard...
I'll make a note to NOT vote for whoever the FRC supports in the 2012 election.
I don't really get why he's labeled a surprise winner on the main page.
I think most people expected he would win or at least come in close at the top.
It would have been a surprise if someone who hasn't been in politics lately, like Santorum, or someone who isn't that popular, like Ron Paul won.
Since when did the 2012 campaign start in 2009. Can't we the people get a little break from politics.
How is Huckabee winning a surprise? The so-called "values voters" value their hatred for Mormons, blacks, Hispanics, and Catholics more than anything else. They'll normally toe the line the talk show hosts tell them to, but their loyalty to the Republican brand only goes so far. They hate Mormons. They couldn't get past their hatred for Mormons in 2008, what makes you think that now, with a President who is a member of the most hated group on their list, they'll stop hating Mormons long enough to consider the one man with a chance against Obama? They're moving further to the Right, not closer to the Center.
Poor Mitt could not possibly win this straw poll because he is a Mormon.
Okay, so this organization which is national has an annual convention and Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Tom Pawlenty all appear there, along with other conservative names, and they hold their annual straw poll and... 597 cast votes? What can 597 votes tell us? How many people attended this three day conference. If it was less than 1,000, who cares? If it was much more than 1,000 why did so few of them take part in the straw pole? And with such a small group, why compare the votes of Romney and Huckabee who did attend to Palin who didn't. I have to assume if she was there, she would have drawn a bigger crowd and won the vote. How is this news?
28%......Way, Way,and Way? Pres Obama is my vote! And "We don't do windows!"
great! him again!