WASHINGTON - The heat of the U.S. presidential race is not driving Republican Mike Huckabee out of the kitchen, especially when free television air time is on the menu.

The former Arkansas governor and Baptist minister appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America” show on Friday to give his blessing to a macaroni-and-cheese recipe contest among news personalities, including co-hosts Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts. 

Huckabee, with his trademark likeable-guy style, delivered a tongue-in-cheek message about the culinary contest’s impending finale.

“The most heated contest in America is not even dealing with presidential politics. It has to do with the mac-and-cheese challenge here on Good Morning America,” said Huckabee, who has fallen behind Arizona Senator John McCain and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in the Republican contest to run in November’s election.

“This thing is getting hot, and a lot of people are watching to see who has the best recipe.”

Huckabee, who reported a relatively scant $1.9 million in campaign cash heading into 2008, also played on the typical candidate voice-over at the end of paid political ads. 

“I’m Mike Huckabee and I approve this message and the mac-and-cheese,” he said.

His endorsement of the calorie-rich recipe contest was an unusual choice for a candidate who has promoted his own ability to lose 110 pounds (50 kg) after being diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes.

Huckabee has written a book extolling his own weight loss as well as the value of a healthy diet.

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Photo credit: Reuters/Robert Galbraith. Mike Huckabee makes a point during the Republican presidential debate in Simi Valley, California, Jan. 30.