Your guess is way too kind to their motives, JMO.
Romney is the next in line, the McCain, the Dole etc...it’s his turn. The Establishment always has their pick in mind, and it requires very little thinking.
If you buck that Establishment, you are asking for trouble.
Newt has been in and around and tied to DC for years, except he has some characteristics that alienate him from the Establishment...he’s connected in his own way, BUT HE IS NOT THEIR PICK.
In fact, they fear, loathe and despise him. He isn’t “one of THEM”.
They will stop at nothing to stop him.
Exactly. That in itself says it all. (We've see this before haven't we txrangerette?)