John McCain Endorsed by Conservative Gary Bauer

Arizona Senator John McCain is considered to be the most liberal of the Republican presidential candidates, even before the field was knocked down to him, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who is considered to be the most conservative, and Texas Congressman Ron Paul, who is way down in the delegate count.

People stood up and took notice today when McCain gained the endorsement of one of the most conservative of Republicans, former candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination (2000), Gary Bauer, who had two positions in the Regan administration, Undersecretary of Education and an advisor to the President on domestic policy.

Huckabee has had his share of success, winning in Kentucky and Louisiana this past weekend, making him the conservatives choice. Or is he?

Bauer has influence in with the conservative members of the Republican party and his endorsement could very well help McCain in his attempt to picture himself as the one candidate who can appeal to the liberal, moderate and conservative factions and unite the party in its effort to attain an victory in November. The fear is that Republican voters will vote for a Democratic candidate over McCain.

As it stands right now, Huckabee has 217 delegates to McCain's 723, a wide distance for sure. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who has just dropped out of the race and is considered to be more conservative than McCain has 286 delegates, who could make a sizable dent in McCain's lead if they were to fall into the Huckabee camp. Endorsements by conservatives like Bauer could make a difference, that is if other conservatives follow Bauer into the McCain camp. If the conservatives split their support between the two leaders, both will benefit. It is like one giant chess game, with checkmate being very elusive.

As they say, the proof is in the pudding and the next portion of the Republican pudding is coming up Tuesday, Feb 12, with the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland primaries. If McCain can score decisive victories in these three, with the endorsement of Bauer fresh in the minds of the voters, then he would have made a big impact. If Huckabee can at least come in close, or win one, then the impact will not be so large. If there is one thing certain in politics, it is the uncertainty. The story is far from over, and the final chapter will be written by the voters depending on how much credence they give to this or any other endorsement.

Sources:
Wikipedia
CNN- Huckabee
CNN-Politics