You are not alone in feeling that way about Rove.
Rove is part of the Republican elite. Therefore, he feels entitled to be one of those dictating who should or should not be a serious candidate. His ilk has been picking our presidential candidates for going on six decades. Even Reagan was officially approved by the “elite” wing of the party following his primary victories and after his selection of Bush (one of their own) as his running mate. I see no chance that this will not be repeated again in 2012. Romney is their heir apparent...