Huckabee campaign grasps at straw poll

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 15 (UPI) -- Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee said a poor showing in next month's straw poll in Iowa could prompt his exit from the race.

The former Arkansas governor said he will reconsider running if he finishes fourth or worse in the August straw poll, The Des Moines Register reported.

Huckabee, who trails far behind in fundraising said he will focus all of his energy on Iowa until after the informal poll, which is a Iowa Republican party fundraiser.

The Huckabee campaign's emphasis on Iowa is in contrast with front-runners Rudy Giuliani and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who have decided not to participate at all.

Based on poll data, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is expected to win the contest.