Focus Switches to McCain No. 2

Huckabee's happy to chat about the GOP's future but won't be drawn on veep chances

(NEWSER) - Mike Huckabee's as busy as ever two months after dropping out of the GOP race, giving speeches around the country and campaigning for GOP candidates everywhere—including, of course, John McCain, who is said to have the former preacher on the top of his list of potential veeps. So would he accept? "It's impolite to start saying that if the captain of the football team were to invite me to the prom, that I already have a dress picked out," Huckabee told Newsweek. More»

Candidate says he's not just a "fly in the ointment"; critics say he's after VP slot

(NEWSER) - He’s already outlasted America’s mayor, a Law and Order star, and a millionaire former governor. Now, despite eating John McCain's dust in the GOP delegate race, Mike Huckabee vowed today to continue to fight for the White House, Reuters reports. “Am I quitting? No, I’m not,” the former Arkansas governor told the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington—the same forum Mitt Romney chose to drop out of the race. More»

GOP field still wide open, Rudy's numbers slipping

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton is still in first place among Democratic presidential hopefuls nationwide, despite a substantial 12% leap in support for Barack Obama since early December, finds the latest Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll. Clinton leads Obama 42% to 33%, with John Edwards trailing at 11%. Asked to pick between Clinton and Obama, a slender majority of Edwards voters went for Clinton. The GOP figures were less clear-cut. More»

(NEWSER) - The Boston Phoenix drew up its “Unsexiest Men” list in March, but the election season produced some new contenders, while others earned a reprieve.

• John Edwards: The perennial Dem also-ran wasn't on the first list, but his very public dalliance earns him a spot after a recount of sorts.
• Mike Huckabee: Though on the earlier list, the "sweet-natured creationist" receives a pardon for his success as a TV host.

Pair heads for debut rally Friday

(NEWSER) - John McCain has picked his running mate, but he's not telling just yet, Politico reports. McCain will reportedly inform his vice-presidential pick tomorrow, then unveil his choice to the nation on Friday. The two are then expected to campaign in battleground states this weekend, ahead of the GOP convention on Monday. Speculation remains centered on Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and political chameleon Joe Lieberman. More»