...why would ANYONE keep pumping millions into Newt at this point with NO chance of getting the nomination?
I sincerely disagree that Speaker Gingrich has no chance at the nomination. And there is only one chance of a combination of two of the four candidates combining on a ticket that could unite the party and beat the democrats - that is Gingrich (at the top) - Romney as VP.
“How can you ethically spend multi-millions on a campaign that does nothing but drain votes off the other conservative choice?”
Most conservatives do not trust Rick Santorum as a true conservative. This is due to several factors and his record.
“Perhaps there is already an agreement between Newt and Mittens?”
I don’t think at this time there are any agreements between the candidates. Those will come at the convention, when the representatives of the people - the delegates - are asked to select the ticket.
You make great points, and I hope you are right! Yet, based on Newt’s finishes last night he can’t win enough of the remaining primaries to pull out a win. He can make a splash, and so can Rick, but the ONLY possible chance Newt or Rick has to win the nomination is if one of them pull out right now. A three person race goes to Mittens.
Look at the remaining primary schedule. Even if Newt could “run” the south he is highly unlikely to pick up anything significant in the NE, the West and midwest.
Rick is in the same boat. Due to his social conservativism you can count him out in the West and NE. He does have a better chance then Newt in the Midwest, but that is unlikely in states like IL and WI.
With both Newt and Rick in the race they will split the southern vote (Like TN and GA). I’m not trying to be downer, but barring a miracle (i.e., Newt or Rick drop out now) Mittens will have the nomination by June. Seriously, if someone can give a logical alternative I’m totally ready to change my opinion, but the bottom line is...
“Rick and Newt both stay in gives Mittins a win.”
If there is a realistic pathway to something different then share it.