Mike Huckabee may be sitting out the race for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, but it’s beginning to appear the former Arkansas governor is assuming a kingmaker role.

Huckabee, who won the 2008 Iowa precinct caucuses with the support or social conservatives, has invited the 2012 Republican hopefuls to Fox News studios in New York for a visit, the New York Times is reporting.

And the Twitter-sphere was buzzing with rumors two-term governor turned Fox New commentator and motivational speaker is likely to endorse the GOP nominee-in-waiting, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

That comes on heels of Huckabee telling an ABC TV affiliate that it might be time for social conservatives to get behind Romney.

While Romney may not be their first choice, Huckabee said, conservatives need to understand Romney will b e a more effective president on the issues they care about “every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Mitt Romney

There is no perfect candidate, so, Huckabee said, Republicans should get behind Romney and say, “You may not be our first choice, but between you and Obama, I’ll vote forty times to get you elected.”

In the meantime, five of the GOP candidates have agreed to a sit-down with Huckabee and three Republican state attorneys general who will pose questions.

So far, Romney, Newt Gingrich, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, Texas Rep. Ron Paul and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum have agreed to the Dec. 3 forum.

Mitt’s double-sided menu: Huckabee may be giving Romney some love, but he’s getting nothing but (cran)berries from the Iowa Democratic Party.

The Democrats will unveil “A Mitt Romney Thanksgiving” menu today “where everything is served two ways …”

On the menus you’ll find Climate Change Salad – “Man Made” or “We don’t know who made it.” Or enjoy a Flat(bread) Tax Bruschetta – “I love a flat tax” or “I don’t agree.”

Among the entrees is the Detroit Special – “Job Saver” or “Let ’em go Bankrupt. Desserts include Recovery Act Rhubarb Pie – “There is a Need” or “Now time, nowhere, no how.”

Check it out at www.iowademocrats.org.

On the calendar:

Nov. 23

Mitt Romney, 9:50 a.m., speaks to employees at Nationwide Insurance, Des Moines

Dec. 1

Newt Gingrich, 7 p.m., Polk County Robb Kelley Victory Club, Johnston

Dec. 10

8 p.m., Des Moines Register/ABC News/Yahoo!/Republican Party of Iowa live presidential debate, Drake University

Dec. 15

Fox News/ Republican Party of Iowa live presidential debate, Sioux City