Lunar,
So you are thinking Romney is going to pass? I'm thinking along the same lines.
He's already running seven behind his performance in Missouri in 2008. This was the first poll conducted post-HC.
I don't think that at all! I think Romney is about as sure of a candidate as you can get these days. He's actively campaigning in all of the primary states [note his recent endorsement of Nikki Haley in South Carolina, that's a BIG indication he's serious about 2012], fundraising, and keeping a top-notch campaign staff around...there is no indication that Romney isn't going to run in 2012. Really, unlike Palin & Huckabee, Romney hasn't gotten a day job that could serve as an alternative to presidential candidate.
You left Romney's name out when you cited Pawlenty and Palin. Think that accounts for the mix-up.
Posts here sent me checking out Santorum's activity. Apparently, he raised more money than Huckabee in the second half of 2009 so that's a strong suggestion of a run. On the other hand, this article from 2006 suggests Santorum was using his PAC to cover his own living expenses.
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?articleId=11174
So maybe the neon sign about a presidential run is just because it's more tasteful than putting up a sign saying, "My kids will be applying to college soon. Help." Or maybe he noticed how lucrative losing campaigns were for Huckabee and Palin and wanted some of that action.
