The Globe hates Romney for good reason. he changed the dynamics in Massachusetts to the dismay of the liberal establishment and made them all look silly.
Sure, you can find a few quotes from the campaign against Teddy Kennedy, but it must be understood that the environment in Massachusetts does not make it easy for a conservative to thrive. In fact, just the opposite.
Romney is indeed a traditional conservative. He has proved this time and time again with his actions and most of his rhetoric. He has the energy and drive to be great president, and if you plus that up with his acumen for organization and management, it makes him a very strong candidate.
Social conservatives are not all in opposition to him, and those who are may be doing so for the wrong reasoning, but it is possible to get the majority of them on his side by the time of the general election, so he can unite the party. He can be the nominee.
And he can beat Billary or Obama in a head to head, if he gets that needed support from the rest of the factions. Assuming of course, that Bloomberg and his money stay out of the Independent candidacy. He will stay out if McCain crashes. Those votes will largely go to Mitt.
My favs: Giuliani, Thompson, Huckabee...I like Romney too. I wish I knew more about his religion, though...
Why do you think that?