I think you’re greatly underestimating Santorum’s chances in the general.
Both Romney and Santorum would easily win all 22 McCain states, plus IN and the Omaha CD. I think that both would carry NC, FL and VA (Romney would do better in NoVA, while Santorum would hsve higher margins in the rest of the state, but both would win). So each would start off with 248 EVs.
Then there’s OH, with 18 EVs. I think Romney’s odds of winning there are good, but Santorum’s are better. NH has 4 EVs: I think Santorum’s odds of carrying it are good, but Romney’s are better. With OH and NH, both Romney and Santorum would get to 270 and thus win.
And Santorum could also get to 270 if he lost NH but won one of PA, WI or IA (or one of MI, MN, NV, CO or NM, for that matter).
So while Santorum is not a perfect candidate, he can win, and he’ll make a terrific president. Unlike MA with its Senate race, the U.S. as a whole won’t have to face a choice between syphillis and herpes.
The Obama campaign will go after a few electoral votes they lost to McCain. Arizona, Montana, and Georgia are potential targets.
I despise Mitt, but, he could gut out a win in November; no way Santorum wins. Santorum will let Obama pull off a 34-36 state blowout.
And this talk that Santorum will put PA in play? Thats akin to saying Blanche Lincoln could help the Rats carry AR.
Santorum would make a good UN Ambassador.