Why is Huckabee still in the Race?

In the reading "The Elections of 2004" (pg18-41) it is evident how imperative it remains for a candidate to time the peak in their suppor. This is highlighted when considering Howard Dean and Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee's early victory in Iowa, attributed to his support among the evangelicals and a strong support among women, quickly saw him rise in popularity, however Huckabee has failed to build upon his strong start, and is now remaining in the race to the amazement, frustration and humor of others.
When Howard Dean's quick success came to an end, it was evident that he in fact, although competing against John Kerry, had actually helped him to win the nomination by mobilizing the democratic voters. So will Huckabee be able to play a similar role?
Huckabee's choice to remain in the race has raised many eyebrows in frustration, and recently, in laughter. His display on Saturday Night Live attempting to make light of his mathematical impossibility of winning, then ignoring his cues to leave the segment, further raise the question on why he remains? Republican party Strategist Whit Ayres in an interview with CNN highlights that as long as Mike Huckabee remains positive in his comments on McCain and does not stimulate a third party challenge from the right later on in the race, Huckabee's choice to remain could actually help McCain. This is accentuated if very conservative spokesmen continue to criticise Huckabee and make McCain appear more vote worthy to independents whom, as we saw in the Downs-Hotelling theory, will have to power to decide the election later this year. Huckabee believes that his continuation is of service to both the American people and McCain . In the same CNN segment as the Whit Ayres video, Huckabee explains that it is competition that breeds excellence, a lack of it, which would be evident with his resignation, would breed mediocrity. By remaining in the race, Huckabee is thus helping to build and train McCain in stamina, strength and not becoming sloppy, which will ultimately help him in the election against the Democrats.
In reference to "The Elections of 2004," there are obvious links between Huckabee's and Dean's campaign fate, however, will Huckabee be able to help a fellow party member in the same way that Dean did?