Democrat concerns about Huckabee

Chris Cillizza:

Mike Huckabee's rapid rise in the Republican presidential race is prompting concern among some Democratic strategists who believe that the former Arkansas governor could become a daunting general election foe should he secure the GOP nomination.

These operatives believe that Huckabee's profile -- former Baptist minister, southern governor, fitness preacher -- and self-effacing style on the stump could prove an appealing combination for moderate and independent voters.

"Mike Huckabee is the Republican that probably worries me the most," said Wooten Johnson, a Democratic strategist based in Louisiana. "Unlike the other Republicans, he isn't flawed in the eyes of the Republican base. But more importantly, he has a record of being a true compassionate conservative. He will be able to attract those suburban voters that don't want to vote for [a] Democrat."

John Anzalone, a Democratic pollster based in Alabama, offered a similar sentiment about Huckabee: "He is the type of person who plays well in both a People Magazine profile, on Leno and in debates," said Anzalone. "Real people seem to see a bit of themselves in Huck, and I think he will be difficult to demonize."

Anzalone added that while he was not "terrified" of a Huckabee candidacy, he could "see [the former governor] hitting a chord with the public beyond primary voters."

For months, Democrats have been game-planning for what a general election would look like against one of four possible candidates: Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, John McCain and Fred Thompson. But Huckabee's recent surge in (and nationally) has forced Democrats to consider the prospect of facing off against him next November.

...

He looks at some of Huckabee's prior races to gauge how he would run against the Democrats. I am not sure how that would work in a Presidential election where national security will be the most important issue despite what Democrats and social conservatives think. He is the weakest of the top four candidates on that issue because of a lack of experience. He is also weak on the immigration issue. Since those two issues are the primary weakness of the Democrats they would probably look forward to a campaign against him. I think his strengths make him a good balance to a ticket with one of the other three top candidates on top.