I'd rather face an avowed enemy before me, than be stabbed in the back by a quisling like Romney any day.
Even worse, Romney would tip the power balance of statist principled folks in Washington, R and D, to the critical left. Left Republicans and Democrats would outnumber Right Republicans (limited government Rs). In the Republican structure, they would become neutered.
The only way limited government Rs can become stronger is for statist left Rs to lose, every time. I know that shocks and angers a lot of folks, but ... it doesn't care; it happens anyway.
Windflier, I think you and I go back long enough -- there was a time when I didn't think this way, when I'd vote for the leftist R "lesser of evils." I voted for Arnold with enthusiasm and my eyes wide open. If I had it to do over again ...
Interesting times, my FRiend.