At least on the appeal of Huckabee, I think Catholics haven't warmed up to him particularly because the nation in general hasn't. I thought he gave a very poor performance at the Jan. 5 debates. Based on a variety of internet quizzes I was ready to believe that Huckabee could be my candidate, but after seeing him debate, I thought twice about that. I think in general pro-life Catholics haven't warmed up to any one candidate particularly because thus far there has been extreme reluctance to make life issues a matter for debate. Huckabee is the only one who even mentioned sanctity of marriage/pro-life issues (when contrasting himself to Obama); no one else wanted to pick up that thread of the conversation apparently. Almost as funny as the dead silence that greeted the question about energy conservation and confronting Americans with the reality that gas prices are not going to go down again, probably ever.

I think this has been exagerated to a significant extent. From the polling there doesn't seem to be a differenciation in the Catholic vote to a significant extent from the more secular vote. The larger factor however is that I would specuate fewer than 3% of Catholics are familiar with who Pastor Haggee is and that Huckabee appeared with him. Certainly, Huckabee needs to expand from his base though.

Another factor, particularly in Iowa, is that I think the "Fair Tax" has more popularity in the conservative, homeschooling Evangelical world. Romney's internal polling tracked that to being Huckabee's base. For many reasons, the "Fair Tax" will not gain traction in Catholic circles. A more anti-free trade stance would serve him well and with Catholic Reagan Democrats generally.

As for Michigan, I wouldn't discount the war and the economy. Huckabee's populism will help in a State that has quite frankly been in a 5-year depression. While there isn't zealous peace component of the GOP coalition, there is a more conservative view of war that hurts McCain in the Midwest. Huckabee's Israel posturing may hurt him, but I think he is viewed as the most moderate on foreign policy. I think I'll stop now since this is getting to be blog length.

Mike Huckabee is the only true pro-life candidate in the race. In addition, he is the only Republican who is not in favor of pure Darwinistic capitalism. I'm sensing an attempt to prevent Evangelicals and Catholics from coming together to support Mike Huckabee. I should clarify that to mean "practicing Catholics," b/c the problem is that people call themselves Catholic and pollsters and statisticians think they really are. Look at Massachusetts for crying out loud.

Danny, far from preventing Evangelicals and Catholics coming together, which I think is a great idea, if you read my column you will see I have given Huckabee concrete advice on how to reach Catholics.

I find the latest successes and interest in McCain satisfying. I personally was fearful that the general American public would rate him superficially, given his more experienced age, his somewhat stiff movements, etc. I am a conservative Catholic that believes dearly in the free enterprise principles with less government interference, in addition to a pro-life stance. Though my mind is not 110% committed, McCain seems to be positioned to best provide these, while creating a more unified, less devisive force in our country.

While I live in CA now, I grew up in NH and visit often. My family has lived there for the last 300 years: I think I know the place. NH has changed. Danny speaks a truth regarding "practicing Catholics" and pollsters: Catholic NH has actually become Northern Mass and increasingly represents the church of Boston more than anything else. M.Z. Forrest is also right: I've never met anyone else who is aware of any Hagee-Huckabee linkage. I suspect that more Catholics have heard their church described as the Whore of Babylon by the Baptists they know than ever heard of Hagee.
Huckabee should explicitly stress his respect for Catholics, identify with their concerns, and directly ask for their support in a high profile way. He has my support because of his absolute pro-life stance.

I dare say, far too many in this country think of their flavor of "faith" as little more than answers to questions on forms. This is evidenced by the many current Catholic Democrat leaders in the Senate and the House, who claim to be Catholic, but refuse to condemn abortion and same-sex marriage.

It wouldn't matter to these (which may be a fairly hight percentage) if Huckabee were the Pope's favorite nephew.

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The key, as has been suggested, is that there are Catholics and practicing Catholics. For me, a daily communicant, I find Huckabee's message dead-on. He is pro-life and socially reponsible enough, but not to an extreme. I believe Huckabee's strongest leg of the Reagan triad, social/ethical traditionalism is far more important than the other two; economic prosperity and a potent, effective foreign/military policy.

As Catholic Christians, we are called, to preach and live the Gospel, and if that means to some degree fore-going making a buck, then so be it. If it means we lay off a "foreign entanglement", then that's "OK" too.

Rush, Hannity, the Weekly Standard, Fox News, Fred Thompson, etc. have been hammering Huckabee over the past few days. They are big believers in the primacy of the other two legs of the Reagan Coalition. Hence their unflagging belief that the rising tide will raise all boats. That is true to an extent, but "the poor will always be with us." Hence their outright attacks on Huckabee who understands the need to assist those truly in need.

I believe the Nation is at a crossroads and we have to decide what kind of people and political party we are. I liken Huckabee to Teddy Roosevelt who similarly shook up the GOP establishment. Change is tough, but sometimes you have to just get over it!

And consider this, what a clash of ideology if November sees Huckabee v. Clinton or Obama !?

Romney, Thompson and to a degree McCain as the GOP standard bearer would just be more of the same.

It's time for new blood. Huckabee for President.

Deal, sorry but you’re the only one I hear dogging Mike “with charges of anti-Catholicism”; and I'm also sorry to say your advice seems to come from a more liberal Catholicism than I believe in.

I think the key issues today are abortion, gay marriage, and declining moral values. GOP candidates need to address conservative values not liberal ones. It is unfortunate that many Catholics feel the need to have the government take over caring for the poor and oppressed rather than taking this on as their personal vocation. Frankly we would be better off if we focused on raising the morality of the nation to the point that individuals rather than government cared adequately for our neighbor in need.

As for poling in New Hampshire, it's based more on the liberalism of the state than the religious breakdown.

You are right that Catholics and Evangelicals can come together behind Mike, but this should be because of his strong position on the social moral issues. The question is "are there enough Catholics with properly formed consciences to support those issues above the more popular issues?" I am concerned for Catholics who support pro-abortion and pro-gay-marriage politicians because of their belief that the government should do the work of giving for them. Many have rejected the views of the Church in favor of the views of their party.

Tim -

I'd like to add something. The issues you identify as key are ones I share as well, but I would encourage you and others to support Huckabee for reasons (including but also) extending past those.

Why? Because others - Romney, for instance - place high value on social moral issues as well, such as "family".

Huckabee's self-identified priorities are "winning the war on terror, securing our borders, becoming energy independent" (Wash Post). If our nation is not safe and independent, the functioning of social issues is irrelevant.

I say this not to downplay the importance of Huckabee's beliefs. Quite the opposite; they make me ecstatic.

And re Deal's solitary "dogging" of Huckabee -- I think it's an interesting angle at the very least. From his significant experience w Bush's election, Deal is equipped to know what is important.

Just to keep you informed...
There is a faithful Catholic running for president, and his name is Alan Keyes.
He has been given many graces, and has great knowledge.
He deserves careful consideration.
He was not permitted to be in more than one debate, and his votes were not properly reported in Iowa.

I heard Huckabee speak at a pro-life march in Georgia. He stated to the crowd that they were later comers to the pro-life movements and that Catholics had led the way. Then I nearly fell to the floor when I heard the next minister say he was tired of people relying on fAITHALONE AND IT WAS TIME FOR WORKS.