He cited five candidates as sharing “similar” views to his — Sarah Palin Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann — who “very clearly might benefit” from his decision “because of their strong positions on issues like life and on traditional marriage.”

Most of those who Huckabee cited released statements shortly after he made his Saturday night announcement, praising him in a clear bid for either his support, or that of his backers. Romney was not among them.

When Wallace noted he didn’t mention Romney, Huckabee said, “No but let me tell you something — I got a wonderful voicemail from Mitt Romney last night, which I thought was very gracious on his part.”