Huckabee's Rising Momentum

First Iowa, and now Kansas and Louisiana.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is giving front running candidate John McCain all he can handle heading into today's Potomac Primary, which is comprised of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.

Today's primary election has major ramifications due to the concentration of voters in those states. Although they appear relatively minor on the overall 2008 presidential primary calendar, significant victories today could translate into major boosts for both candidates.

For Huckabee, wins today would strengthen the already-powerful momentum he established on Feb. 9, with his wins in Louisiana and Kansas. And if Republican leaders in Washington state overturn the results that were prematurely announced last week in McCain's favor, Huckabee will have an anti-establishment platform made of granite.

For McCain, wins today could put the Arizona Senator over the top in terms of delegates and put the election out of reach for Huckabee and spoiler candidate Ron Paul.

Ultimately, the Potomac Primary carries much more significance for the Huckabee campaign, purely because it holds the promise of extending the campaign for a few more weeks. While it is possible for Huckabee to overcome his campaign's deficit in the delegate count, it is, as I've said before, unlikely.

Nevertheless, Huckabee's charisma should be alluring for a candidate like McCain, who, in the not-too-distant future, will be looking for a running-mate. Huckabee's issue-oriented approach, his sharp wit and his alliance with social conservatives make him a nice fit for a veep, and would make for a strong ticket as the campaign heats up over the summer. While some commentators have thrown out other names for the slot (former Bush-Cheney strategist Matthew Dowd suggested Condaleeza Rice on the Feb. 8 episode of HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher), a ticket with Huckabee on it would be very tough for Democrats to beat, whether it's Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

Of course, all that goes out the window if --*ahem* -- Ann Coulter follows through on her threat to join the Clinton campaign.