I agree about the brokered convention. The best way for that to happen is for Santorum to stay in and win some delegates in the Midwest, Gingrich win the South and Texas, and Paul to win Virginia and some of the caucus states like Maine, Colorado, and Nevada.
Romney is going to win the big winner take all states of California, NY, and NJ so the best way to keep him from getting a majority is to keep his share in the proportional states lower and let Santorum and Paul win contests that Newt can’t win, but Romney is stil vulnerable.
Ditto on the brokered convention.
As for Santorum; I think Newt’s playing that ball all wrong. Newt should phone Rick and say, “Rick, I want to make this clear: I want you to stay in and keep fighting. HARD. Neither of us knows how this is all going to shake out, but if the ball doesn’t break your way, I want to let you know right now that I’d like you with me as VP on my ticket.”
In a brokered convention scenario, I think Santorum would have to admit that he hasn’t got the traction to come out on top, and throwing his support behind Gingrich at the convention would be just the sort of game changer to put Romney on the canvas for good.
As VP, Santorum’s support migrates to Gingrich, Santorum stays in a position to have a voice, but not in a position to do any damage, but he still needs to “do time” on the GOP rockpile for his failure to support Toomey. A four-year conservative re-education tour as VP would fit that bill nicely.
That's the best chance of success for Anybody But Romney.
Convention delegates are likely to be somewhat establishment friendly, but much more conservative and sensible than the Washington establishment.