In 2012, the Republican voters made it clear that Romney was athe last choice in a field of vulnerable candidates. Normally, I wouldn’t expect a serious 3rd party run, but this is a very good way to invite one.
I think that is the point of the this article, to encourage a third party run by Rand Paul. I have noticed that News Max seems to support Rand Paul.
Actually, I think that Rand Paul should run as a Democrat, against Hillary. He closer to the liberal Democrats (as opposed to Progressive Democrats) than he is to conservative Republicans.