I think the desire to come in second is part of it. But I think
a larger motivation is to establish himself as an undisputed leader
of the populist, socially conservative wing of the party. There is
an opening and he can fill it at relatively little cost to McCain,
who is getting closer to clinching anyway. Huckabee hasn't really
gone negative against McCain but he has established himself as a
spokesman for Republicans the other candidates haven't reached and
professional conservatives don't understand. The longer Huckabee
can go on collecting primary votes and delegates without -- key
caveat -- embarrassing himself, it makes sense for him to continue.
At least until McCain finally secures the nomination.