Welcome to Free Republic. Saying anything that could be interpreted as complimentary to Willard Romney around here is kind of like lighting a joint in church. The congregation will be along shortly to ask you to step outside.
P.S. Willard may be, as you described him, a leader in the GOP, however he has never led a conservative. He has met some conservatives, however he has escaped their presence without ever getting infected with conservatism.
Got zotted.