PPP: Huckabee slightly ahead in a very close race

[Bull Moose Base]

As almost all of us agree, national polling now is fairly useless.  I also think Gingrich's strength in the deceiving because of the reasonable chance Michelle Bachamann runs and runs well in Iowa even if the Foxes are out.  I also think we're going to see a shutdown which I bet will hurt Gingrich via reminder.

[Bull Moose Base]

There's no way it could but I think endorsements are overlooked.  Not that I think Romney won't pick up any Huckabee supporters but it's a good bet if Huckabee doesn't run, he will still use his platform to campaign against Romney.  Seems to me Huckabee would likely endorse and campaign for Barbour.  I suppose if Pawlenty is the closest to Romney in Iowa, he could go that way but my hunch is Barbour.  That doesn't mean most of his own supporters would listen to him but it would have some effect.  I've also speculated if Palin doesn't run she's likely to endorse Bachmann.  Not that she'd like Bachmann to encroach on her turf, but if the momentum is there anyway, she may just try to attach her own name and brand to the Michele movement so as to benefit herself.  But who knows?  If both she and Huckabee endorsed Pawlenty, he'd obviously benefit more than polling different variations could possibly indicate.  They would catalyze the momentum of whichever candidate they touch.