Right now that loyalty is important as opposition party.
But as far as Republicans ever taking the white house I have serious reservations of any candidate, including Romney. Talking to republicans I get the feeling few really understand the GWB disaster and his actions as a major contributor. There was a hero worship theme on much of talk radio that turned into circle the wagons message when things went bad. GWB courted many hosts to keep them on the party line, although it all broke down completely in 2007 with predictable election results. The myth is still out there (Hannity promoted) that GWB was the Patton of the WOT BUT a well meaning victim of congressional or democrats bad budgets. I get many pings with these Hannity messages.
Add to that the voters demand that the federal government solve every problem, take care of every need. And the fact that republicans in congress for too long become lazy corrupt power/money brokers, borrow and spend instead of tax and spend.
Opposition to the marxists is a great position for republicans, they finally look principled. But in charge?? They have not earned it after years of disaster.
The only thing I’d ever favor Romney for would be treasury secretary or head of the federal reserve. His business acumen is stellar. Its everything else I can’t stomach.