I've been following this thread all afternoon and I think you may be closer than anyone so far. Here's my take, for what it's worth. I belive many, many Christians are put off by the Mormon candidate, but don't necessarily want to make the point out loud (for example, me). While I do not support the Huckster (go FRED go!), I believe he, as "the former Baptist Minister", most clearly represents the unspoken anti-Mormon vote.
Well, I did hear that the Evangelicals got real organized for this one and centered it around Huckabee. I mean, if the Evangelicals get going around a candidate, the fact of the matter is that you’re just not going to elect a President and go against that group... That’s just the way it is...
Regards,
Star Traveler