Your facts are presented to support that statement very well. I don't see any path for him either. His supporters just don't get it. The problem is will Santorum move into the Romney camp when the time comes....I'm afraid that he very well could if Romney promises him a place in his administration.....that is why he's in this....to see where he can advance in his political career.
On the other hand Newt has no other political ambitions...this is the "It" and he is free to give it his all and take down the strongholds strangling our country!!!!! Newt has the plan!...Newt has the will! ...Newt has the know how!
Go Newt GO Goooooo Newt!!!!!!
I see the potential even for the VP slot so Rick can make the faux Palin speeches while Romney goes Leftwards for the general election like McCain in 2008.
Rick could be the 21st Century Spiro Agnew to the 21st Century Richard Nixon (Romney).