[spetznaz]

There was some analyst on CNN who had written: 'Rick Perry's odd decision to stay in the race was a boon for Romney, whose best path forward is to roll up a double-digit victory in New Hampshire and then, boosted by South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (who recently endorsed him), pull off an upset in the Palmetto State 11 days later. He would then be poised to win in Florida -- and if that happened, he could achieve what he had hoped early on: to shut down the race. Even if he were to lose South Carolina, he is still in the best position to grind out victories over the long haul.

[John Valentine]

...boosted by South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (who recently endorsed him), pull off an upset in the Palmetto State 11 days later.

In my opinion despite Haley's misplaced endorsement, this is a far-fetched scenario. More likely Romeny finishes fourth in South Carolina behind Santorum, Gingrich and Perry and goes into Florida as damaged goods.