As this article points out, Romney has now realized he must do well in Iowa or it might cut into his New Hampshire support. For conservatives, allowing Romney to pull a victory or 2nd in Iowa would be terrible.
Iowa is the state in which the evangelical impact is most felt. Sending a pro-choice candidate forward with the blessing of Iowa would be such a crime, because it would mean that obstinate conservatives refused to yield to common sense.
I agree that sending a pro-abortion candidate out of IA with a win would be a terrible mistake. However, the importance of IA and NH is over blown. Both of these states lean Rat. The states that best represent the country and especially the Pub party are SC & FL. If Romney wins there he will probably get the nomination.
I saw an article yesterday that said it's likely the primaries will be critical right up to the convention because the delegates in most states are being picked on a proportional basis not winner take all. If true conservatives might split their votes and still be able to consolidate behind one candidate. Also, if this is true the financial backing a candidate has will be the key. At some point a candidate who is not winning very many delegates has to decide if they want to bankrupt themself in their quest.
The key in either scenario (winner take all v. proportional) is to not let Romney get enough delegates prior to the convention. I watched Romney on TV last night and he is very smooth and creates a favorable image. Unfortunately, most people are not political junkies like we are and really don't know what he did as Gov, or what his beliefs are.