Republican and Conservative political analysis and commentary

The newest poll from Tennessee has Mike Huckabee leading John McCain:

(n=1093, s=3.6)
Huckabee 30%
McCain 26%
Romney 22%
Paul 6%
Giuliani 4% 

Tennessee holds an open primary on February 5th. It has 55 delegates awarded proportionally by congressional district.

Huckabee got rave reviews in his visit to the Music City yesterday:

Huckabee spent the afternoon here raising money, making the rounds at the state Capitol and visiting Music Row, where he played bass with country singer Ricky Skaggs, looking remarkably comfortable for the only member of the band who was wearing a tie.

"You're real solid, man," guitarist Curt Ryle, who usually backs Tim McGraw, complimented Huckabee after a rousing version of "Sweet Home Alabama" at Curb Records. "Yeah, you busy next week?" drummer Jeremiah Bivins wanted to know.

"I hope so," Huckabee said with a laugh. "If I'm not, it's a bad sign."

With Fred Thompson no longer in the running, Tennessee and its 55 Republican delegates are up for grabs.

Huckabee didn't leave Tennessee empty handed. Huckabee's national campaign chairman Chip Saltsman estimated that a luncheon fundraiser netted $60,000 for the campaign.

He also left Curb Records loaded with CDs and good wishes from his fellow musicians.

"I'm not worthy to be playing in this town, but it's fun," said Huckabee, who plays bass in a band of his own in Arkansas, called the Capitol Offense.