Alcon, that's a good point, but this is Romney's other home state we're talking about. I don't think Santorum's lead holds up -- the onslaught of Romney SuperPAC attack ads will be swift and brutal. I don't know how Santorum raises enough money to keep his image intact.
I've said this elsewhere on here. I really don't think Romney can afford to destroy Rick like he did Newt. People like Rick. and The Religious Right is already weary of Romney with out him destroying their favorite child.
Fair point. Destroying Gingrich (who was unpopular enough already) nuked Romney's favorables and he hasn't really bounced back. He can't afford to do it again and go into the general.
Especially as the two main things he can go negative about are earmarks, and the idea that Santorum is "too conservative". Attacking with the former can only get him so far, attacking with the latter would backfire horribly. Santorum is far less vulnerable to negative advertising than Gingrich.