The reports I’m seening here on fr show that cruz is getting big support among the party activists—that is the people who will run his ground game in iowa.
it looks like bush will likely ignore places like iowa and south carolina where cruz is doing well among party activists. rather bush will go for the big vote primary states where his money could make the difference among turkey republicans.
I believe that until March 15, primaries have to have proportional representation if they choose delegates. Starting on March 15 with Florida, Illinois and Missouri, primaries can be winner-take-all. Bush is gambling on the winner-take-all primaries, so he needs plenty of lost-causers in the race at least until March 15.
Candidate that FR go gaga over never win the nomination. FR loved Alan Keyes. Adored Duncan Hunter. Fell all over Fred Thompson and Herman Cain. Hated McCain and Romney.
I would go so far as to say it's a good counter indicator. And it points to Cruz not being the eventual nominee, sadly.