Also had the problem that in 2011 there were all these other candidates who spent all their time beating up on each other until there were only 2+Romney left.
And you couldn't even get agreement here on who to pick, none of them stood out.
And there were also make believe candidates who had no intention of running. Right there that was a early sign of coming disaster.
The GOP needs two strong conservative candidates declared and before the public prior to Iowa, with an agreement between the two that the loser drops out to unify the base. I know, as long as I'm dreaming I'd like a pony too, but the idea would be to have a unified, base-friendly candidate to take on the Christies and Jeb Bushes of the world. I don't see any other way to field a conservative candidate at a time when the Republic will need one more than ever.
This last election cycle, I voted for conservatives only and if the GOP wants my vote they will need to earn it by nominating a candidate acceptable to the base.