PROVIDENCE -- Republican Mike Huckabee says he's hoping for a win in Rhode Island, although he acknowledges he's not as well known here as his rival, Sen. John McCain.

The former Arkansas governor spoke on WPRO-AM Monday afternoon before heading to a visit at the Community Preparatory School in Providence. He's also scheduled to hold an evening rally in Warwick.

McCain has won the backing of most of the prominent Republicans in the state, including Gov. Don Carcieri, House Minority Leader Robert Watson and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedesian.

Huckabee also told WPRO that he's remaining in the race because McCain had not yet secured the number of delegates needed to win the nomination. He says he won't rule out running for president again in four years.

-- The Associated Press