Fresh off his decision to skip the 2012 presidential race, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee declined Sunday to endorse anyone else.
His decision to skip a second White House bid opens the door for other Republicans who hope to court the Christian conservatives who helped the former Baptist minister place first in the Iowa caucuses in 2008. But Mr. Huckabee declined to say who he favors.
"There may be a point at which I endorse, but I'll see how the race unfolds," he said on Fox News Sunday.
Asked who might benefit from his decision to opt out, Mr. Huckabee mentioned several Republicans looking at the race: former Sen. Rick Santorum, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. He noted their conservative views on social issues such as abortion and gay rights.
Noticeably missing from his list was former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. He and Mr. Huckabee fought a fierce battle in 2008, particularly in Iowa, with Mr. Huckabee highly critical of Mr. Romney's earlier more liberal social positions.
Asked about Mr. Romney, who leads many polls, Mr. Huckabee said he got a "wonderful voice mail" from him after his announcement on Saturday and said only that he would support him if he winds up the Republican nominee.
Mr. Huckabee made his announcement to a live television audience on Saturday night, saying he didn't have the conviction to wage another bid for the Republican nomination.
"All the factors say go, but my heart says no," Mr. Huckabee told the audience of his weekly talk show, "Huckabee," on Fox News Channel Saturday night. "I can't know or predict the future, but I know for now my answer is clear and firm. I will not seek the Republican nomination for president this year."
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