Not that it’s entirely surprising, but John McCain appears headed to a strong victory in the Badger State:
Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) has defeated former governor Mike Huckabee (Ark.) in the Wisconsin Republican presidential primary, according to exit polling and television networks, while Democratic Sens. Barack Obama (Ill.) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) battled for delegates in the Badger State.
McCain’s convincing victory is likely to increase the pressure on Huckabee to drop from the race – clearing the way for the Arizona senator to unify the party and begin the process of preparing himself for an extended general election campaign.
“I will be our party’s nominee for president of the United States,” McCain declared at a victory speech in Columbus, Ohio shortly after 9 p.m. Eastern time. He also took time to praise Huckabee for his “impressive grit and passion.”
McCain then quickly shifted to the general election and drew a biting contrast between himself and Obama (D-Ill.). He promised to deliver far more than just an “eloquent but empty call for change” and the “confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate.”
Huckabee has vowed to remain in the race until McCain surpasses the delegate threshold of 1,191. According to recent polling, Huckabee remains a viable challenger to McCain in Texas, which will vote on March 4.
If by “viable” you mean “has a pulse” then yes, Mike Huckabee is viable. In every other sense of the word, though, he’s dead Jim.
