Yes, they certainly are. Like they were in 2008 when Thompson, Hunter, Romney and Huckabee split the Conservative vote. We wound up with McCain.
Which is exactly what the author is saying. Instead of supporting a candidate who can beat Romney, they are splitting their support for Paul, Santorum, Bachmann and Perry. I'll leave Gingrich out of this just so you might listen.
Then the Moderates and establishment GOP gives the majority of the vote to Romney. If Romney wins Iowa, it will be over for the other states. And you will have undoubtedly participated in that event.