My operating theory is that Romney is the man the party bosses want and they are using Santorum to split the conservative vote so any challengers including Newt Gingrich are defeated.
If Santorum comes in first, he will have prevented a Romney win which, in conjunction with his anticipated NH victory, would add up to serious momentum so; that being said, if Gingrich isn’t going to win in Iowa, Go Rick Santorum. Anybody but Romney.