HUCKABEE'S NUMBERS JUMP NATIONWIDE

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation's new national poll, which was released on Monday, showed Mike Huckabee pulling to within just two percentage points of National GOP frontrunner Rudy Giuliani. Huckabee’s numbers have more than quadrupled in the past two months.

The poll found that while Giuliani holds the lead among national Republican voters with 24%, Huckabee gained ground and rose to 22%, making him the number two candidate among Republican presidential hopefuls. The poll has a 5% plus or minus sampling error that puts Huckabee within grasp of the top spot. The poll also showed Mitt Romney at 16%, John McCain at 12%, Fred Thompson at 10%, Ron Paul at 6%, Duncan Hunter at 2%, and Tom Tancredo at 1%.

Additionally, Huckabee now holds the top spot among Republicans in Iowa, stealing Romney’s thunder. His numbers also have improved dramatically in South Carolina, which is the first to vote in primary elections among southern states. Fred Thompson’s numbers have dropped by nine points in the recent poll.

While many cite Huckabee’s resonance with Republicans because of his positive message and morals and values-centered campaign, others believe his lack of experience is a major weakness. Keating Holland, CNN polling director said, “Huckabee places fourth, behind Giuliani, McCain, and Romney, when Republicans are asked to rate the GOP candidates on experience.”

Huckabee undoubtedly brings a lot to the table. With his strong record of opposing gun control and his support of the war on terror and plans to reform America’s tax system, Huckabee would be a fine president and a credit to the nation. Alongside Huckabee stand a slate of Republican candidates that undoubtedly make the left quake in fear. Anyone of them is easily ten times better than a Machiavellian Hillary or a one-note Obama.