Once viewed as a long-shot to win the GOP presidential nomination, former Arkansas Governor Mike huckabee is making headway in a key early state.

In a just-released New York Times - CBS News poll, Huckabee is the second choice among Republicans in Iowa. Of 480 GOP caucus-goers polled, Huckabee was the choice of 21 percent. He only trails former Massachussetts Governor Mitt Romney, who is supported by 27 percent of respondents.

For a campaign that has limited fundraising and staffing, it's an encouraging result. And it puts him within striking distance of Romney, who has vastly more resources in Iowa than Huckabee.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was third among Iowa Republicans in the poll, at 15 percent.

Rich Rogers contributed to this story.