Washington D.C. 1/23/2008 1:19:37 PM
News / Politics

Mike Huckabee Curtails Spending As Super Tuesday Looms

Following a disappointing second place finish in South Carolina, Republican Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas governor is becoming stingy with his campaign funds. He has stopped scheduling planes and buses for journalists on his campaign trail and has not ruled out leaving Florida before the January 29 primary if he does not see the potential for winning.

With February 5, known as Super Tuesday due to the number states holding primary elections that day looming large on the horizon, Huckabee may end up leaving Florida and beginning a campaign push through some of the more delegate-rich states. Recent polls posted at usaelectionpolls.com show former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani with 21 percent of the polled Republicans saying they will vote for him. The winner in South Carolina, John McCain and Mitt Romney are tied for second with 20 percent and Huckabee is in fourth with 13 percent.

With only 54 delegates at stake in Florida, Huckabee's campaign staff believe it may be better to move to friendlier pastures where there are more delegates at stake. A recent CNN poll published at usaelectionpolls.com show John McCain in front of the national polls with 29 percent and Huckabee in second with 20 percent. Romney is nipping at his heels with a 19 percent showing.

According to political analysts, leaving Florida early could be considered by some the Huckabee is giving up the state and possibly the race, while others see the financial prudence in his using his campaign funds to earn delegates in a more friendly environment.

Latest Polls: Huckabee is Fourth in Florida, Fourth in New York