Mark McKinnon talks to Chip Saltsman, Mike Huckabee’s former campaign manager, about Mr. Huckabee’s prospects in 2012.

Mr. McKinnon notes,

The race for the Republican nomination could very easily come down to Huckabee vs. Mitt Romney. The question will be whether Tim Pawlenty can get enough traction to split votes with Romney. But no matter how hard those two try, they won’t be able to peel away many social and Christian conservatives from Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister who talks their talk and walks their walk. He’s a great communicator and could easily expand his appeal beyond the narrow but enthusiastic base of support he attracted in 2008. If Sarah Palin runs, however, she’ll split votes with Huckabee and it will be a free for all which could create some fascinating dynamics in the early primary states. And there is, of course, still plenty of time for a fresh face to show up and shake things up. Knock, knock John Thune.

He also releases his GOP Top 10. (I have to admit, No. 9 is pretty damn interesting.)

1. Mike Huckabee
2. Mitt Romney
3. Tim Pawlenty
4. Sarah Palin
5. Newt Gingrich
6. John Thune
7. Haley Barbour
8. Mitch Daniels
9. Joe Scarborough
10. Rick Santorum