Titan posted the number and names of states that Santorum didn’t qualify in. His best bet is to continue to run interference for Newt and serve as his AG or VP.
“Titan posted the number and names of states that Santorum didn’t qualify in. His best bet is to continue to run interference for Newt and serve as his AG or VP.”
I like your scenario.
How many weeks ago was it when a good number of Freepers ridiculed the notion (that appeared in several news articles posted) that there might be a “brokered convention”?
Unless circumstances change (and boy, have they been changing over the progress of this year’s campaign!), the only candidate who previously had the potential to reach the Tampa convention center with a majority of delegates for the nomination was Romney. Neither Gingrich nor Santorum (nor Paul) were going to get “that far”.
But now that Romney is stumbling, it looks like even he may not make it. Of course, this could change, particularly around and after Super Tuesday.
Assuming that Romney walks into Tampa with less-than-a-majority, his only hope is to make a deal with the other candidates in some kind of quid-pro-quo.
But I’ll guess that if a deal has to be made, it will be struck between Gingrich and Santorum, who, between themselves, may just arrive with a bare majority of delegates together.
If Gingrich and Santorum -can’t- agree, then Ron Paul will become the kingmaker.
The best bargain between Newt and Rick is for Newt to run as the presidential candidate, with Santorum taking the second spot. Newt is older, this could be his “last shot”. Santorum has plenty of time left, and after four or eight years will be in strong shape to succeed Gingrich. Even if Newt loses, Santorum still comes out of it ok, so long as he plays his “supporting role” well. Look at Sarah Palin in 2008...
If Rick Santorum can step back and assess his future clearly, this is his most logical course to the presidency, provided he can demonstrate the virtue of patience.