[OneWingedShark]

How did a guy who served a single term in political office, failed, and left in 2006 with 34% approval, become the elder statesman of the GOP and dominate GOP presidential politics for 8 years?

He is an "elder statesman" and spokesman for the Republican party because he perfectly fits what the party is about.
It makes sense when you realize that they have no intention of pursuing the party's platform, which is only there to get votes — the NRA is a perfect analogy: all about getting funds and certainly not about to push for repeal of the GCA or NFA because, well, if they made progress they couldn't say Oh my God! They're getting ready to ban guns, you need to send money! (The Republican party is exactly the same, for every platform plank.)

It's all explained in this brochure:
The Tao of Republican Orthodoxy
[Direct Link]

[dalebert]

Hey Romney lost and I don’t think he could win a second time around. As far as I am concerned Ryan is damaged goods.