So...what happens with Santorum’s delegates?
If he throws them to Romney, then it really is all over. If they go to Newt, then conservatives actually have a fighting chance to win this thing within the GOP, rather than having to go outside the party.
Well, if he's merely suspending his campaign, Santorum won't release them until the convention. And if Santorum is serious about Mitten's helping him retire campaign debt, they're not going to Gingrich.
If Mittens doesn't need Santorum's delegates to get over on the first ballot, then all the delegates will likely stay aligned with their current candidate. Or the RNC may choose to proclaim a unanimity voice vote, whatever.
It would be very strange for the pro-life, pro-marriage Santorum to get behind pro-abort, pro-gay liberal Romney, while there remains a conservative alternative.
But if Santorum were to hitch his wagon that way...or strap himself on the roof...I would not be completely astonished.