The Republicans are doing what they always do. They decide whose next in line based on seniority and service. That’s how Dole got the nomination, and why we always run some old fart.
Go back to the Ford - Reagan primary. Ford wins, Reagan is the nominee next time. Reagan runs against Bush in that primary. Reagan wins, Bush is the nominee next time. Bush runs against Dole in that primary. Bush wins, Dole is the nominee in the next primary. GW Bush runs against McCain in the primary. Bush wins... and McCain is the nominee in the next primary? I sure see a pattern. If the pattern holds Romney will be the nominee in the NEXT primary.