Some influential conservatives said the former governor from Arkansas could keep evangelicals from deserting the GOP to form a third party, while others describe him as too liberal on fiscal matters for Republican voters.

As governor, Huckabee opposed abortion and same-sex marriage but was more lenient when it came to taxes, social welfare spending and illegal immigration, conservatives who oppose Huckabee told The Washington Times in a story published Monday.

Huckabee, however, could prevent the GOP from fracturing, said Christian radio talk-show host Janet L. Folger.

"Do you know another Republican besides Huckabee who got 48 percent of the African-American vote?" Folger said. "Add to that a mobilized Republican base and there is no one better than Huckabee to take on Hillary (Clinton)."

Sen. Hillary Clinton,. D-N.Y., is considered the front-runner for the Democratic Party nomination for president.