[Finny]

Well, yeah, Romney can hardly call Santorum on his willingness to vote to increase the minimum wage six times. Romney can hardly call Santorum on on his overall attitude toward Daddy State Government, as Santorum has a comfortably "compassionate" record of supporting.

Romney could call him on his refusal to endorse care mandates, but that would be a dumb call. Where does Santorum stand on national heath care? And Romney could call him on his admirable rejection of the global warming hoax, and accuse him of being a "denier." But how good a tangling point would that be?

If I was a gambler, I'd lay odds that if Santorum drops out, he'll end up endorsing Romney. I know it in my gut.

Godspeed Newt Gingrich.

[duffee]

I would say at least 3 to 1.

[Praxeologue]

if Santorum drops out, he'll end up endorsing Romney

So Mitt will go easy on Rick. There is always the risk that Rick could take the nomination, but Mitt's bet would be that Rick cannot achieve that. By keeping good relations, Mitt will look forward to Rick's ultimate endorsement or, at a minimum, neutrality.

Mitt's silence is not due to lack of ammunition. Mitt never had a problem making stuff up. A Mitt strategy is at work here.