This from CBNNews.com:

CBNNews.com - Mitt Romney has perhaps gained the support of numerous value voters, after narrowly winning a straw poll held at their summit in Washington Saturday.

The win, however, was a close one. Romney won by just 30 votes: 1,595 to 1,565. But that includes online votes. As for the votes cast at the conference itself, Mike Huckabee received 488 votes. Mitt Romney had just 99.

Thousands of Christian conservatives met for the “Value Voters Summit” sponsored by the Family Research Council to hear from the Republican presidential candidates and hopefully, choose one to support.

By just 30 votes! I think that says more about Huckabee than it does Romney. They both beat out Fred Thompson which is somewhat surprising to me. However, I think this is another clear indication as to why I believe Romney may have the opportunity he needs to secure votes from James Dobson and other evangelicals. Apparently most are willing to look past his Mormon background and support him on the basis of shared values.

However, look at this fact, “As for the votes cast at the conference itself, Mike Huckabee received 488 votes. Mitt Romney had just 99.” Huckabee cleaned up with the die hard supporters who showed up to the conference. Either way, it’s a strong showing for both of them.

Will this have any influence on the upcoming FOX News Republican debate this Sunday? Perhaps since Romney has been given a new platform and Huckabee has been given a boost. Fred Thompson may have been knocked down a peg from this.