It’s not the most important issue in this campaign,: generally policy issues are not important at all in this culture. Most uninformed voters don’t care about policy issues. They just want to “choose one”, based on who feels good and hope it works out. But, THIS is an issue that will resonate. And this issue is another one which will make Santorum look extremely UN likable. The average voter, who doesn’t analyze policy like you do here, will not only not like Santorum, they will HATE Santorum after the media gets through with him. We will lose.
I understand that some conservatives don’t care if we lose. The bigger issue is defeating the GOP. So be it.
Gingrich has a history of being very dislikeable. He was even disliked by Republican members of the House when he was Speaker. Relatively small time negative ads nearly destroyed him in Iowa. The baggage he carries with him, most unknown to the public at large, will define him as a candidate and lead to an Obama victory. As you stated, "The average voter doesn’t analyze policy" like we do here
There is no sense in giving a truckload of ammunition to the Obama campaign by selecting a candidate who has such a tawdry past. Sure, they will try to destroy Santorum, but they will have to manufacture their own ammunition to do so. Let's not make it easier for them.