Actually, Romney is probably an underdog in New Hampshire as well. Ron Paul is increasingly looking like he will take the Granite State.

http://truthalert.net/Republican%20Presidential%20Candidate%20Rankings.htm

The National Review was exactly right: Huckabee will alienate the fiscal conservatives just as Giuliani will alienate the social conservatives. Mitt Romney is the only man that can unify the Republican Party and bring it back to its former glory of years past. Mitt''s prior positions on certain social issues will not hinder his ability to unify the country in a general election. In fact, he is uniquely qualified to unite both moderates and conservatives because he, as a convert from certain moderate positions, understands the more motivating arguments that make moderates moderates.

I can't wait until Ron Paul and his supporters are out of this race. What a whiner.

Mitt Romney says that the more people come to know Mike Huckabee, the more they realize they don't know about (him).  Well, the people of Arkansas, where he is a Republican in a Democratic state, had 10 years to get to know him, and apparently they think pretty highly of him.  He was re-elected there, rated one of the five best governors in America, and left the state with a surplus.  So Romney better hope that the people of America DON'T look more closely at Mike Huckabee!

I am surprised that Huckabee can maintain he's a Republican when he raised taxes in Arkansas like there's no tomorrow.

>>Actually, Romney is probably an underdog in New Hampshire as well. Ron Paul is increasingly looking like he will take the Granite State.

That's because it's an open primary state and every tinfoil-hat-wearing truther moonbat will come out of the woodwork to vote or him.

I'd still take Ron Paul over the Dope from Hope, though.

http://www.realmikehuckabee.blogspot.com/

I'll be honest, I have not read much about Huckabee's record in Arkansas, and I do not doubt that he had good approval ratings. He portrays to live by the bible, and says he's the only one with a theologian degree. But one of the alarming issues that I have with him, is that he says he doesn't know much about the lds(mormons), even with his theologian degree, and then slips in a derogatory question about the LDS faith. I for one would like to know whether Huckabee knew the answer to his own question before he asked it. This will tell a lot about his integrity as a Christian. And if he really didn't know the answer (even though southern baptist preach this in there sermons), then maybe he should explain reasoning for asking. Huckabee's whole strategy seems to be building on the uncertainty of Romney's religion. If you want to know more about Romney's religion maybe you should talk to his church.

Mr. Huckabee seems like a nice guy, (in fact I was starting to root for him) but the reality is the only reason he's polling so high is because knowone knows his records on crime and immigration....once people realize he commuted over 1000 criminals and pardoned 20 murders his numbers will nose dive.  I had my eyes opened when I watched Hannity & Combs last night after the debate.  Do not vote for Huckabee!

Mr. Huckabee seems like a nice guy, (in fact I was starting to root for him) but the reality is the only reason he's polling so high is because knowone knows his records on crime and immigration....once people realize he commuted over 1000 criminals and pardoned 20 murders his numbers will nose dive.  I had my eyes opened when I watched Hannity & Combs last night after the debate.  Do not vote for Huckabee!

Listen everyone Gov. Romeny will say anything to get elected and that why he has changed his positions. If we want to vote for a liberal we will vote for either Gov. Romney or Mayor Guiliani, otherwise we will vote for one of the other candidates that are true conservatives.
In the general election I will not vote for Mayor Guiliani and 99% sure I will not vote for Gov. Romney but will get behind any of the other candidates.
A voter for those two is a vote for a Democrat.

My, my, my...how people love to run their mouths and wallow in their ignorance (both Democrats and Republicans alike). It would do well for those making comments about Huckabee's raising taxes in Arkansas, "like there was no tomorrow," to investigate the facts (something the press isn't doing, either). A great deal of the tax increases came about from an order by the Arkansas Supreme Court for much-needed educational funding. And something else bares repeating -- Mr. Huckabee MUST have done something right in Arkansas, or the state would not have re-elected him as governor for a second term. Don't criticize the man (or anyone, for that matter) unless you know what you're talking about.

I LIKE Huckabee.  I'd Like to have him over for dinner.  I'd like to sit in his church on Sunday.

But I don't want him for President.  Every time I get a dose of Huck's charm, I can't help but think of another southern charmer, Jimmy Carter.

No disrespect for President Carter.  I believe him to be a fine man and good Christian...but he was a terrible President who was too soft on just about everything.

The faith based prisoner releases, the incredible tax hikes, the entitlement programs, and the scholarships for illegal immigrants...these ACTIONS speak more loudly than Huckabee's words.

The "Huckaboom!" is fading.  As the adrenaline high subsides, folks will be left with the same to options, Giuliani or Romney.

I'm belong to a traditional Christian denomination and I'm very uncomfortable getting into the nuts and bolts of other people's faith. One way we all can "tolerate" each other's religions is by not looking at them too closely. We tend to start judging one another and according to my faith, we aren't meant to judge other people. We should be looking at our own beliefs and whether we are living accordingly. Once we get ourselves perfect, we can start picking at the other folks. Let's get back to politics. It's contentious enough.

HUCKABEE HAS MY ATTENTION AT THIS TIME. NO ONE ELSE IS REALLY STANDING OUT RIGHT NOW FOR ME. AS A HOME SCHOOLER I WILL BE VOTING REPUBLICAN IN NOV.

Talking to Romney's church will surprise you even more... Mormon's baptize the dead... and wear special undergarments... and much more... They pretend to be mainline, but they are far from it.    They deserve freedom of religion.  Mr. Romney has every right to run for the presidency.  We have every right to vote "no."  His flip-flopping concerns me the most.  

Hannity is a Guiliani shill who is misrepresenting facts at best...don't be such a sheep...do your own research!

I don't believe Huckabee will alienate the Republican party at all.  Instead his presence will rally more honest hardworking men to come out and replace the big business minded sluggards who want nothing more than to keep their high falooting lifestyles in the comfort zone.  The republican party could use this kind of shake up.

I LIKE YOUR COMMENT AC FROM LITTLE ROCK!

A.C. touched on a good point about taxes not only were there court ordered mandates but many of the taxes were voted in by the people of Arkansas, a fact his opponents  and media always seem to leave out

My problem with Governor Romney has very little to do with his faith, the thing that concerns me about this man is he is all over the place on issues. First he is for illegal immigration, then he was against it and now we find out this week he was still supporting the same company that employed the same illegal immigrates. When he was Governor he was for gay marriage and pro-choice now he says he is against both. The only thing I know about Mitt Romney is that he will change his mind on politics depending on which crowd of people he is trying to play to, he should try finding his position on an issue and for once sticking with it. Go Governor Huckabee

I am watchin CNN at the airport at this very moment.  They just said they did a fact check and Huck raised taxes by of 500,000,000 dollars.  So I guess CNN fact checkers must be liars.  Still, that is less than what his opponents claim, they claim billions and CNN says 1/2 billion.  

Huckleberry is a jackass, tax and spend liberal.

The Republican Party needs more Thompson and more McCain!

Mitt Romney has always had his eyes set on the White House. This is why he gave 0 pardons or commutations. Have you ever heard of anyone getting in trouble for not pardoning or commuting. NO, And Mitt Romney has changed his tune so many times from abortion to talking about his religion.

Derek, your comments about Romney "First he is for illegal immigration, then he was against it" and "when he was Governor he was for gay marriage and pro-choice" are flat out wrong.  You need to read the speech he gave in defense of traditional marriage while he was governor.  It was one of the most profound speeches on the subject I've ever read.  Yes, he did change his opinion on abortion and has admitted he was wrong, but as far as the issues he has been very consistent. You discredit yourself and your candidate by making such unfounded statements.

Homeschoolers should love Ron Paul's stance on the issue; he's even got a whole section of his campaign website dedicated to Homeschoolers for Ron Paul: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/homeschoolers/

Huckabee imposed restrictions on home schooling in 1998 in Arkansas (http://www.hslda.org/courtreport/v15n3/V15N3AR.asp?PrinterFriendly=True), which is probably why he recently got the endorsement of the notoriously anti-voucher, anti-home schooling National Education Association (http://massachusettsforhuckabee.blogspot.com/2007/12/new-hampshire-affilate-of-national.html).  The other endorsed candidate?  Hillary.

Here's what the NEA has to say about the "well-meaning amateurs" (parents) who home school:

"Of course there are circumstances that might make it necessary for parents to teach their children at home. For example, if the child is severely handicapped and cannot be transported safely to a school, or is bedridden with a serious disease, or lives in such a remote area that attending a public school is near impossible."

http://www.nea.org/espcolumns/dv040220.html

Why does everyone keep referring to ex-presidents? None of them are Ronald Reagan. And Mike Huckabee isn't Carter. Huckabee is a different man, a new man. And what is all this nonsense about Huckabee being soft on crime? He signed death warrants, didn't he? Don't listen too closely to what the Media says, everyone.

Romney is primarily a businessman. Huckabee has known the pressure of having people's lives on his hands, Romney hasn't. Romney seems like a really nice person, but Huckabee is tougher, more honest and a better representative of the American people.

It's not just factually incorrect to say that Huckabee raised taxes, it's intellectually dishonest.

First, he didn't -- his Democratic legislature did. They did so with his support (I'm sure you've seen the video where he asks them to give suggestions), but if you watch the full hour, it's clearly explained that he needed $250 million because of the rising costs of federal programs, having already cut about $250 million in state costs.

The man is not a fiscal liberal -- if you check more deeply than the press currently is, you'll find the same.

And Eric, check the facts on Romney's immigration record. He once voted for almost precisely the proposal he's now criticizing Huckabee for. It's ridiculous. I'm not bashing him for being a Morman, I'm not voting for Romney because I don't know what his views will be by the time he would take his oath.

James David,

I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (i.e., the Mormons) for twenty years, and we do not baptize the dead. Yes, we do wear garments  as reminders to ourselves of the Christian faith that we seek to live. I know that there are other religions that have similar practices - it is not unusual.

Of course, you may vote against Mitt Romney if you so choose. If you are really concerned about his "flip-flopping", than you may wish to present an argument in the future based on examples of such behavior instead of seeking to discredit a faith that you know little about.

A tax rebate for homeschoolers is an interesting idea. I spent several years homeschooled.

I've been a conservative my whole life, but if Huckabee gets the Republican nomination, I simply won't vote.  Or i'll write in my own name.  Huckabee has no clue when it comes to the most important issues America faces today:  foreign policy and the economy.  

I love Ron Paul supporters. They tend to care about the issues more than most and they do their best to focus on the Constitution. I personally don't agree with the good Doctor on some of his interpretations or his policies, but for the most part he has some great ideas. Overall, I think Paul has helped to keep the focus on the Constitution.

I'm for Romney because I agree with almost all of his positions and analysis and because I believe he has by far the most impressive record as an executive.

I'd vote for Rudy in the general if he won the nomination, but not before. I won't vote for Huckabee in any case. Should he win the nomination, I will vote Democrat for the first time in my life.

With all the people who have strayed so far away from the principles of faith that our nation was founded on, I am confident that either Mitt or Huck will be a fine choice as the next leader of this great nation. We need a man of God in the White House - one who will be both a strong protector, and enforcer.

Tony, San Francisco
The National Review is one of the "Conservative Groups" to whom Romney donated $100s of $1000s of dollars, just months before he announced his presidential candidacy. Romney has NEVER BEFORE SUPPORTED these CONSERVATIVE GROUPS, NOR ANY CONSERVATIVE GROUP LIKE THEM, according to record (NYTimes 03/11/07).

NO BIG HOOPLAH, complete with tv cameras, for THESE Donations! OH NO.

Save all that for donating [ONLY] less than $300.00 worth of groceries to feed the hungry (and even included the amount of change he paid, in his boasting!)--ever work a food line? ever buy groceries simply for your own family? Between $2-300.00 buys VERY LITTLE these days-for a family-much less for a group of poor and hungry!--And WHO gives a care what Name is on a box when you're hungry? Corporate sponsors?

Does Romney Really think voters are going to rush to vote for him, for supplying a bowl of gruel?
WHAT A SCROOGE!!
(Sure it was a good thing to give anything at all, but this man gives much to the rich and powerful while making a big show of giving very little, to those in dire need--and no shame).

So THIS is how Romney will manage our nation? Paying His own moneys to buy his way, with minimum 'show' of support to the poor?

Back to National Review...

Before Romney's GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION, National Review
was critical of Romney's Liberal stand as Governor of Massachusetts. The list of those sinceContribution public supporters includes:
National Review
Heritage Foundation
Massachusetts Citizens For Life
Federalist Society
The Family Institute
associated with
Family Research Council
Focus On The Family/James Dodd  
(NYTimes 03/11/07).

None of these Conservative Groups supported Romney BEFORE his contributions of $100's of $1000s of dollars. (NYTimes 03/11/07).It is interesting to watch as these come forward in Romney's campaign.

also see:
http://www.massresistance.org
(A Conservative Group in Massachusetts. Click on "The Romney Deception" for an in-depth, documented report on Romney's UN-Conservative "Values" in government and for children and families).

As for "fiscal conservative"
Here's an example of Romney's 'fiscal' record.
The 4 years Romney was governor of Massachusetts:

MA was 3RD FROM BOTTOM in CREATING NEW JOBS--would have been 2ND FROM BOTTOM except Katrina destroyed LA. (more southern governors had better records bringing jobs to their states).
MA was ONLY STATE to post ZERO GAIN !! IN EMPLOYED RESIDENTS
while the MEDIAN HOME PRICE in MA 'ROSE' 95% !! (40% for the nation)
222,000 MORE residents MOVED OUT !! OF MA than moved into MA (according to U.S. Census Bureau)during Romney's 4 years!!
This high number MOVING OUT OF MA is the ONLY THING THAT KEPT MA'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATES DOWN
(Center For Market Studies, Northwestern University, Boston Globe, 07/29/07).
This is just a small example.

THESE "CERTAIN SOCIAL ISSUES" will MOST DEFINITELY HINDER ROMNEY!! THIS is what the man is Made Of:
While governor of MA, Romney:

Allowed the funding of Gay/Lesbian SEX ED CLASSES FOR GRADE SCHOOL CHILDREN--AS YOUNG AS KINDERGARTEN--WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT OR NOTIFICATION!
Romney didn't have to do this, but he did.

Allowed funding of "DANCES" WHERE CHILDREN--AS YOUNG AS 12 YEARS OF AGE !! COULD 'MEET UP' WITH ADULT GAYS/LESBIANS/TRANSGENDERS/BI-SEXUALS...!
Romney didn't have to fund this, but he did

funded GAY PRIDE-TYPE PARADES FOR CHILDREN with 'ADULT' GAYS/LESBIANS/etc. ALLOWED TO 'JOIN IN' OFF THE STREETS, IN FULL REGALIA.
Romney didn't have to inable this, but he did.

Maybe Gays/Lesbians are OK with this governance. But I, for one, while not homophobic, DO NOT want my children's innocence robbed BY A GOVERNOR'S INFRINGEMENT/GOVERNOR'S FUNDING with MY tax dollars--ESPECIALLY WITHOUT MY CONSENT OR NOTIFICATION!!

for an extensive documented report goto:
http://www.massresistance.org

It appears Romney knows very well the arguments to make Liberals APPEAR TO BE Conservatives.

David Anderson
That is partly why Romney doesn't press Huckabee any more than he does. He doesn't want to open doors he can't close, regardless the power of his 'keys!'

Melissa
Have you actually checked Huckabee's tax record? The legislature and the people of the state voted in tax increases during Huckabee's term.

Billy, Roosevelt
A degree in theology doesn't necessarily equal knowledge of LDS Deep Doctrine that isn't shared with outsiders or new converts (BTW, if LDS are Christians, why do we seek to 'convert' Christians and save the dead)? I wonder, have you ever gone to a church where a Southern Baptist preacher was preaching about the LDS-Christ being the 'spirit-brother of Lucifer? I have listened often to LDS belittling Baptists, because their members don't allow our missionaries into their homes. I asked why we didn't fellowship with other Christians the way other Christians do? The meeting was abruptly ended.

"building on the uncertainty of Romney's religion." I wonder why Romney has created such uncertainty of his religion, when he himself brought up his religion in his campaign? Why bring it up at all if not going to be forthright with voters? Of course voters have questions. They've had questions to all the candidates who put their religion into their campaigns. It is sad that only Mitt gets defensive and/or hostile and refuses to help voters to better understand how our religion affects our daily lives.

Telling voters to go to the church does not help voters understand Romney. Even if they visited our church, they would be treated as "investigators" and would not learn much in their visit, except, maybe, that we have lots of children, that somoeone of us will recite our given "testimony" that we believe Joseph Smith was a true prophet of our God, that the Book of Mormon is the true word of our God, and our church is the true church of our God in the earth. If it's a woman, she will testify she is happy she was born a woman to supply her husband and the kingdom with children, and how she understands all the work required of her is really an honor and not a burden. And the person will testify how he/she sustains and obeys our prophet and our priesthood authority, and the bishop and leaders of our stake in the kingdom of our God. We sing hymns, and some are in honor of our prophet, Joseph, and there is our sacrament of white-type-bread-with yeast, and water. These things a voter probably knows before visiting our church.
How would a visit to our church help any voter to better understand how Mitt's religion would affect his politics? He started this, by not living by his LDS testimony, and sounding like an evangelical Christian instead of a LDS, and now the voters, even some of us LDS, want to know what's up with him? There is no time in church for voters to ask political/religious questions. About Huckabee, he already said the reporter was talking about a lot of things about Mormons. He didn't know the reporter would include his question in the article. He has apologized to Mitt and Mitt accepted, calling it a "gracious" apology. The candidates understand how the media twist things. I hope someone will give the man an answer, if he wants to know. Rather than gripe, why not testify? If we believe how our Christ and Lucifer are spirit-brothers, why is it a bad thing for someone to ask about that, or for us to answer their question? Is that a bad thing? For Christ in LDS to be spirit-brother of Lucifer? If someone asked if Jesus' birthday was really December 25, no one would be upset that anyone asked--no one would be upset at the answer. Why is it any different about Christ and Lucifer? Why the "Uncertainty?"

Romney will change his position according to what office he is running for, I don't care what his religion is right now he is the talking heads darling because Rudy is starting to scare the hell out of them I ask once again do you want a multi-millionaire telling you he feels the pain of the common American and have we learned anything these past 20 years, looks like the dems have figured it out most of them are turning their back on the clintons.

Spencer, Portland Oregon
As for home-schooling, I know a child who has been "home-schooled" all his life. At 12 yrs. of age he had a 2nd grade education! I tried to get him some help. The DA's office told me that in one county alone he knew of 49 children who are being "home-schooled" who are not being taught anything. But his hands are tied because an adult family member had signed up in one of these many 'on-line schools' and was receiving the proper certificates now required by law.

These "online schools" with their certificates earned by parents/grandparents/etc filling in the blanks of their online achievement tests, are a Scam. Home-schooling NEEDS to be regulated. Somehow.

I do know of some children receiving excellent home-schooling. However, NO CHILD should be allowed, by the lack of over-sight and regulations, to be denied a much needed education to face today's world as a contributing member of society with the ability to support themselves.

It is beyond my reasoning why any adult would NOT send a child to public or private school and NOT even educate the child at home. It is beyond my reasoning WHY there are not the proper, much needed, regulations and oversight of 'online schools.'

I am not against home-schooling. But someone needs to pull in the reigns on these 'online-scam-schools' and all the adults involved, depriving children of their education. I am but one person. I couldn't get the DA to budge.

Romney is the Man! The more I follow all this the more strongly I feel it! I visited with an elderly friend yesterday that lived in NH and new him personally. Also worked with his close friends wife.  He truly is good.  He is smart, a hard worker and loyal and dedicated. A great role model for all men and our boys.
Well and heck, he's dang good looking!

He's got this families vote for sure!!!!

GEEWHIZZZEES Gomer Huckabee is being dumped on us poor dumb voters.Tell Gomer to send Andy at lease he is he's fun to hear and smart too. Golleeess

I find it interesting that people have been saying Huckabee was a good governor because he got re-elected.  The same people from Arkansas who elected Clinton?  Then again, Clinton was also re-elected as President.  Does that mean Dennis Kucinich was also a great member of the Congress?  He has been re-elected several times.  What a dumb argument.

Ted- good point!  There have been lots of politicians that have been re-elected that were awful- that really means nothing.  Even if they were good in their first term, a lot are horrible in their second term.

Larry- nicely said.

James David, you've got your facts wrong, but I appreciate you supported my right to religious freedom! :)

LDS w/ Questions- The question billy was addressing isn't really "deep" doctrine- and the question has been answered at least 1/2 dozen times from the Bible on various blogs. There are lots of ways for non-Mormons to learn about our beliefs without going to church. They can ask a Mormon friend, look at the church sponsored websites (one of which is designed to answer questions of non-members), or talk to the missionaries.  None of these options requires them to convert.  They can, of course, come to a church meeting if they want, but you're right, without someone to answer their questions or explain traditions, it may be confusing- as it would be for me to attend a jewish or catholic meeting without a guide.

However, the scrutiny of Romney's religion would have come up regardless of whether or not he mentioned it.  He gave his speech on faith because people demanded it.  It was no secret what religion he practiced, and never has been.  It's too bad that this country still needs speeches like that after JFK's famous 1960 speech, but that's the way it is.  However, Romney has staunchly supported the constitution by insisting there not be religious test to run for office.  He also refuses to become a spokeman for the church- which is exactly what he should do as a politician.

Questions are good- that's how we learn.  But try to approach your questions with an open mind and not jaded or clouded by skepticism.  That will truly allow you to see who is the best candidate and determine what you want to believe or not believe.

By the way, I'm still asking questions.  I haven't decided who I'm voting for yet.  It may be Romney, it may be a democrat.  It won't be Huckabee or Rudy- the more questions I get answered about them, the more I dislike them and find that they are both unethical people- not who I want for president.

Richard Nixon was also elected twice... and twice as VP before that.  Like I said, being elected twice does NOT mean you are a good leader.

Spencer,
You are wrong about Mike Huckabee and homeschooling. He was the One of the first Governors in the country to appoint homeschooling parents to the education board in Arkansas. Also Huckabee has been endorsed by Michael Farris of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association.From that same website you were using:
http://massachusettsforhuckabee.blogspot.com/2007/11/mike-huckabee-announces-30-member-faith.html

Get you facts straight and stop pulling them out of thin air. Huckabee is BIG on education!!

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):