It wasn’t THAT long ago that most Republicans and conservatives were braying for a successful governor, someone with executive experience. With Perry and Walker out, and Jindal assigned to the kids’ card table, I guess it wasn’t that big a deal, or at least it isn’t any more. (Gilmore and Pataki don’t count).
The primaries are still months away.
Things may be different in the general election (still over a year down the road).
Swing voters don't vote based on ideology and may be more swayed by experience.
Of course, it's also possible that a charismatic outsider can draw a lot of non-voters into the polling places, but candidates whose appeal is primary ideological tend to do better in the primaries than in general elections.