PRESS RELEASE:

Maxwell, IA—The nation's largest statistically valid survey of grassroots conservatives has found that Mike Huckabee now enjoys a 2-to-1 margin of support over his nearest competitor—a dramatic shift from a similar poll conducted in September.

When asked whom they would vote for if the Republican primary were held today, 33% of grassroots conservatives preferred Huckabee—an increase from just 7% in the September Grassfire poll. Fred Thompson, who led Grassfire's May and September polls by wide margins, finished second—losing nearly half his support (15% down from 28% in September). Grassfire.org conducted the survey December 1-9, 2007 of all active Grassfire.org team members. Over 67,000 participated and the survey has a margin of error of less than 1% at a 99% confidence level for the Grassfire.org audience.

“Among grassroots conservatives, Huckabee is seeing a remarkable surge,” said Steve Elliott, President of Grassfire.org. Elliott added that grassroots conservatives find Hucakbee among the most trustworthy on the issue of stopping illegal immigration—barely eclipsed by immigration stalwart Tom Tancredo 18.9% to 18.4%. “They trust Mike Huckabee to secure our borders,” says Elliott.

Additionally, 25% of grassroots conservatives now think Huckabee will win the nomination—up from just 2% in September. And among the major Republican candidates, Huckabee is the least likely to spark an exodus if he wins. “All of these factors indicate Huckabee’s surge may have staying power and his upside potential is only escalating,” says Elliott.

Other findings:
•Nine of Ten grassroots conservatives list Border Security among their top issues.
•Giuliani still expected to win: Conservatives continue to expect Giuliani to win the nomination.
•Giuliani most likely to spark exodus if he faces Clinton, Huckabee least likely.
•Thompson biggest loser since September, but losses not likely done.
•Romney, Giuliani, McCain least trustworthy on immigration.

Grassfire media backgrounder.

For more information about Grassfire.org, or to schedule an interview with Grassfire President Steve Elliott, contact Ron De Jong at 757-487-7900 or email Ron De Jong

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