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The former Arkansas governor lags behind front-runner Sen. John McCain, who’s just 370 delegates short of sewing up the Republican nomination.
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Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee waves goodbye to supporters after a rally Thursday at the La Crosse Center.
PETER THOMSON photo
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But Huckabee said he’s not ready to call for a coronation.
“I don’t happen to share the opinion that Wisconsin doesn’t matter,” he said. “Let’s prove to them it ain’t over until Wisconsin says it’s over.”
He said Thursday he’s not letting the numbers get the best of him or his campaign. He’s counting on Wisconsin voters to stump the pundits and leave them “scratching their heads on national TV,” Huckabee said.
“I know what the math says. I didn’t major in math. I majored in miracles,” said the former Southern Baptist minister, repeating his now-famous words for the crowd of about 200 at the La Crosse Center south hall ballroom.
Even after withdrawing from the race, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney dealt Huckabee’s camp a blow Thursday by endorsing McCain and urging his 280 delegates to support the front-runner.
Huckabee said he wouldn’t speculate about Romney’s motive other than to say there’s a “big ‘me too’ crowd coming together” and many in the GOP don’t want to be left out.
Romney can’t force his delegates to vote for McCain, Huckabee said, so he still hopes to snatch some of those delegates.
Huckabee was optimistic his pro-life, small government, low tax principles could pull off a primary victory in Wisconsin on Tuesday.
“I’m the only candidate that does not believe we ought to create and then destroy life for medical research,” he said. “And I’m the only person left in the field who doesn’t have a Washington address.”
He also vowed to protect veterans’ health benefits. “If you know how to read, thank a teacher,” he said. “If you know how to read English, thank a veteran.
Peter Fleming, 35, of La Crosse, said he braved the snow to see Huckabee.
“I don’t think he’s going to win,” said Fleming, “but I’m looking forward to seeing him in person.”
McCain has too much in common with candidates on the other side of the ballot, he said. “I don’t understand why the Republican base is supporting (McCain). It baffles me.”
Thursday wasn’t Huckabee’s first time in La Crosse. He said he campaigned here for President Bush in 2004.
Samantha Marcus can be reached at (608) 791-8220 or smarcus@lacrossetribune.com.
