Newt and Santorum might have driven his campaign to the right in short bursts, but overall, he was far less conservative in 12 than in 08. Remember, he was the estab’s boy in 12, but NOT in 08.
He went from right of McCain in 08 to left of McCain by 12.
He was right of himself in 12. Here’s a good article on his move to the right in the primaries. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/cifamerica/2012/apr/03/mitt-romney-flip-flopper-2012