Huckabee to perform for Pawlenty, Cain and Santorum at Iowa straw poll
Former presidential contender Mike Huckabee may not be competing in this weekend's Ames straw poll, but the former Arkansas governor is by no means sitting out the high-profile event: Huckabee, in addition to commenting on the event for Fox News, will be lending his musical talents to the campaigns of Rick Santorum, Tim Pawlenty, and Herman Cain - all of whom he'll be performing for.
Sarah Huckabee, the former governor's daughter who now works on Tim Pawlenty's campaign, tweeted on Wednesday about her dad's performance at Pawlenty's straw poll festivities.
"My dad @govmikehuckabee will be playing with Sonicflood and the Nadas @timpawlenty's tent at the Ames Straw Poll on Sat! Very excited!" she wrote.
Huckabee, a skilled bass player and member of the band "Capitol Offense," will also be performing a duet with Cain, the former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, in a Saturday show in the candidate's tent at the straw poll.
"Gov. Huckabee will be playing bass and Mr. Huckabee will be singing," Cain spokeswoman Ellen Carmichael told The Hill. "The governor and Mr. Cain are going to collaborate on the arrangement. We're still waiting to hear what they decide on."
And, marking his third performance on Saturday, the former GOP candidate will be playing alongside Buddy Holly's band "The Crickets," at Rick Santorum's campaign tent.
"I am thrilled Governor Huckabee will be joining us this Saturday for our family friendly party to celebrate freedom and Iowa traditions," Santorum said in a statement. "If there is anyone who understands traditional family values and Iowa's great political heritage, it is Governor Huckabee. I know how much our supporters will enjoy visiting with him and dancing along to his well-known bass playing."
Huckabee has strong ties in Iowa - during his 2008 presidential bid, he placed second in the Ames straw poll, and won the Republican caucuses in the same state just a few months thereafter. And while his musical performances at this weekend's event emphasize his affinity for fellow social conservatives, he has yet to officially endorse a Republican candidate in the race.
Carmichael, however, was mum on whether or not Cain's duet with Huckabee could lead to an endorsement from him.
"We'll see what Gov. Huckabee decides," she said.
