McCain winning Republican race slowly but surely

By Steve Holland - Analysis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Slowly but surely U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain is edging his way to his party's nomination, but upstart rival Mike Huckabee is making it as hard as possible.

McCain easily won Maryland and Washington D.C. on Tuesday, and survived a strong challenge in Virginia from former Arkansas Gov. Huckabee, who drew valuable support from conservatives still uneasy about voting for McCain.

The Arizona senator's narrow Virginia victory came at a time when he is considered the certain Republican nominee and should arguably have rolled to a big win in the state, where many elected Republicans had endorsed him.

McCain, speaking to supporters gathered at a hotel in suburban Alexandria, Va., commended Huckabee for a spirited campaign.

"He certainly keeps things interesting -- a little too interesting at times tonight, I must confess," McCain said.

Huckabee's respectable showing in Virginia was proof that many conservatives -- distrustful of McCain's moderate positions on illegal immigration and original votes against tax cuts -- have turned to the ordained Baptist preacher as their candidate now that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is out of the race.

"It's mainly a rebellion from the conservative base in the Republican Party," said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.

Huckabee won a string of contests in southern states earlier this month, proving his strong appeal among social and religious conservatives.