Why Huckabee Stays In
If you think my theory about Edwards not quitting but only “suspending” his campaign in order to remain viable as a dark horse or a white hope was conspiratorial, get a load of this! When Republican candidates drop out, their pledged delegates go to the state party; they are not controlled, even in theory, by the former candidate. Thus, all of Romney’s people now belong to the Republican Party.
If you are looking for a conspiracy (and I know Chris always is) this is why Huckabee stays in. He certainly knows that he is not going to win the nomination. He is all but mathematically eliminated. But if he drops out, his delegates also go to the party. This total would put the Party apparatus within striking distance of stopping McCain.
So Huckabee stays past his accomplished mission of stopping Romney, but also to frustrate the Republican establishment. As McCain fares, so Huckabee prospers and remains viable as VP—a position where he could actually be useful in delivering the South and the Bible Belt.
Comments
Ooooh, I LOVE that conspiracy, Jonathan. Thanks!
... but why, then, is Mitt only "suspending" his campaign and not ending it?
Posted by: Chris Weinkopf | February 7, 2008 3:09 PM
Not sure why Mitt used word, because the Republican rules are different from the Dems. Maybe he doesn't know that. Hey $35 million bucks doesn't buy what it once did.
Jonathan
Posted by: jonathan dobrer | February 7, 2008 3:20 PM