STARTLING – AT 9:53 A.M. ET:  We've reported here that not all conservative-leaning folks were thrilled by the CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) convention.  Indeed, some major figures, like Sarah Palin, didn't show up.  Others expressed an uneasiness at what they considered some elements of extremism.

Now Mike Huckabee, a very shrewd political operator, adds to the doubters.  He's casting his political lot elsewhere.  From Politics Daily:

Former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said on Fox News that he didn't attend this year's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) because it had become dominated by libertarians and was far less relevant since the Tea Party movement began, Politico reports.

Confirming at least one part of Huckabee's analysis, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, known for his outspoken libertarian views, carried the CPAC straw poll with 31 percent. Mitt Romney came in second with 22 percent, while Huckabee only made a single-digit showing.

We should note, as we did yesterday, that only 25% of the attendees cast ballots in the straw poll.

But Huckabee, who has often spoken at the annual conference, said it mattered less than ever this year. "Where CPAC was historically the event, the Tea Parties are having their own events all over the country and a lot more truly grassroots people are getting involved because of the Tea Parties," Huckabee said.

COMMENT:  You can call it sour grapes, but we've seen a number of articles from credible conservative sources in the last few days expressing dismay at the raucous atmosphere and lack of intellectual discipline at the CPAC meeting.  Some have been especially harsh on Glenn Beck's wild presentation, in which he appeared to blame Republicans and Democrats equally for the nation's dilemma.

Parties run in elections.  Movements don't.  The CPAC meeting began well, with some effective speeches by Dick Cheney and Marco Rubio.  The convention kind of went downhill from there.  I don't think it attracted many people at home, which must be the objective of a political gathering. 

Look for some splits on the right.  They're inevitable.  How they're handled will have a great impact in November.

February 22, 2010