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Huckabee Closing In Fast On Romney In Iowa Caucus

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By DAN BALZ and JON COHEN, The Washington Post

Published: November 21, 2007

WASHINGTON - Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, buoyed by strong support from Christian conservatives, has surged past three of his better-known presidential rivals and is now challenging former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the lead in the Iowa Republican caucuses, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

Huckabee has tripled his support in Iowa since late July, eclipsing former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee and Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Huckabee now runs nearly evenly with Romney, the longtime Iowa front-runner.

Huckabee's elevation from dark horse to contender in Iowa is one more unexpected twist in a race that has stayed fluid throughout the year and adds another unpredictable element to the competition for the GOP nomination.

His support in Iowa appears stronger and more enthusiastic than that of his rivals.

The poll found that, overall, 28 percent of likely GOP caucus-goers support Romney, and 24 percent support Huckabee. Thompson ran third in the poll at 15 percent, with Giuliani at about the same level, with 13 percent.

McCain, whose Iowa campaign appeared to derail earlier this year over his stance on immigration, had 6 percent and was tied with Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, who rose from 2 percent in July.

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