PTM,
Sorry about the pot shots on people from Massachusetts . . . it's a horrible stereotype to think everyone there is liberal.
I guess I'm over-sensitized to the Mass-liberal issue because so many conservatives/southerners seem to write off Romney automatically when hearing that he's a Mass politician.
Romney is the real deal but he will have a major perception problem. I think once people get a real look at him that will begin to change - nobody on this planet will be able to out debate him. He's amazing on his feet. The logic of Rummy, the charisma of Ronald Reagan and JFK good looks.
As I recall, he gave Kennedy the run of his life but kind of hurt himself in the end when he over-did the attack during a televised debate - he wasn't himself. It drew sympathy for Kennedy (I think Kennedy even played the "My family has sacrificed for this country card". Live and learn I guess.
His greatest negatives will be his lack of foreign policy/military experience and I'm sure some will make an issue out of his religion. Money shouldn't be an issue for him once he gets rolling.
My best guess at this point is he will be a VP running-mate unless he completely outshines the field. If nothing else, he sets himself up for the future.