Some of us don’t care for the Buckley criteria which would favor Mitt. Buckley believed in endorsing NOT the most conservative candidate aka Newt but the most conservative candidate that would win (beat Obama) and many in the gop E believe that is Romney.
Like it or not there is a clear division in the USA which impacts voters. Vermont...the most liberal republican; Mass...the most liberal republican etc.
Romney made the South an issue with his absurd comments. Why should any politician claim his heritage? nothing wrong with Newts comments unless you are a Romney fan
Fine, Then don't. I want a candidate who can beat Obama so he can't stack the SCOTUS for the next 30 years.
I'll follow Buckley the father of modern conservatism, you can follow your own path.