Past expereince shows that mentioning the "R word" is walking a thin line here but it it needs to be said. Polls from CBS reported that both in '04 and '06. Moral values played a significant role in determining who got sent to D.C. As such it would seem some have failed to learn this lesson. If Huckabee get's the nomination. He will have the support of the religious right wing. He being a ordained minister fits their "ideals" to a head. Love them or hate them they are a farly large voting group and it is not the most wise to be at odds with them. Are they the only factor? No, But it is still not wise to offend 20%(according to CBS, 06)of the voting public.
On a different note the democrats are banking on the dislike of the GOP president, But a poll done not that long ago show the DFL controlled congress is not liked any more. In other words people are just sick of the same old game. This where Obama could have an advantage. But his critics will steam roll him for his very little political expeirence. But then politics is a hard game to call. Will have to see in November of this year. If Hillary get the nomination there are so many things against her. A frein of mine told me he wants to see her in the White House becuase he wants to know who Bill will screw next. Being married to one of only two former presidents to be impeached does not look good. Also she is a woman and there are alot of people who will vote against her for that very reason. As of the last national poll I looked at 01/04 she had dropped 2% nationaly and her opponents in the DFL gained 2 and 1%.