I don't like Santorum, Romney, Huntsman, Pawlenty and their ilk. I do like Cain and Bachmann but they haven't done well IMO in the debates.
Newt is not a RINO but no start for other reasons.
Perry seems to copy W too much for my liking. Not that W wasn't a good manager but the country needs a leader now.
As far as your #3 goes, I am not calling people who disagree with me DU/KOS posting, Socialist/Commie TROLLs. Others have their opinions and I have mine.
In fact I would wager that no matter what our political alliances are most FReepers are on the same page.
That said I will not vote for anyone who even smells like a RINO. I've held my nose and pulled the lever too many times before.
I wouldn’t be so quick to lump Santorum in with Romney/Huntsman/Pawlenty. He hasn’t gained traction, and he’s not going to get the nomination, but he’s FAR from a “RINO” in just about anyone’s book.
Santorum was fiercely targeted in his ‘06 race by the left, especially the gay lobby, for his very vocal support of DOMA. He ended up losing in a big Dem year to what has become a totally ineffective senator who ran on his late father’s coattails. I’m not so sure PA wouldn’t like a do-over.
I was just posting the general rules as we have seen for the last few months.
YMMV.