KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Hundreds pack Books-a-Million to get an a picture. An autograph. A handshake with former Arkansas Governor and 2008 presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. In Knoxville as part of a 60-city tour to promote his new book, "A Simple Christmas."

"The response here has been absolutely overwhelming, we were stunned. We had no idea this many people would turn out," Gov. Huckabee told WVLT.

In the 2008 Republican Primary, Huckabee carried Tennessee. And this crowd, full of Huckabee for President in 2012 supporters.

"I'm really hoping he does. Glad he did last time and I hope he does again," said Huckabee supporter Kevin Bishop.

Supporter Chuck Robinson said "His conservative values, especially in the fiscal side of things, is going to make him, I believe our country will be ready for that."

But will Huckabee run?

"Hadn't made that decision and won't until probably after the mid-term elections, but it's pretty evident that if I do I may headquarter the whole thing right here in East Tennessee."

In the latest USA TODAY/Gallup Poll of prospective GOP contenders for President in 2012, Huckabee is the slight front-runner over Mitt Romney, who's well within the margin of error. At least outwardly, Huckabee's not impressed.

"Well it's a very different place than I was three years ago when I was an asterisk in the polls It's really too early to tell what that means so I don't get all excited about it. We'll just have to see where things turn out a year from now."