I think this is partly right and partly wrong. If either Trump or Cruz is going to get the nomination it will need to be on the first ballot. If we go to a brokered convention it is unlikely that either will garner enough votes for the nomination. But I don’t see Ryan (or God save us, Romney) getting the nod. My guess is that more than half of the delegates are going to have strong loyalties to either Trump or Cruz and they will not stand for either Ryan or Mittens. That said there is not a shortage of solid conservative alternatives out there that could be acceptable to all but the most extreme (my guy or bust) conservatives and the more more moderate types whose votes we will need in November if we are going to win...
Sen Jeff Sessions of AL.
Sen John Thune of ND.
Former Sen. Tom Coburn of OK (I have always like him.)
Sen Tim Scott of SC.
Gov. Greg Abbott of TX (I really him too.)
Former Gov. Haley Barbour of MS. (He might be a good compromise nominee.... strong conservative credentials but he has cordial relations with the more moderate wing of the party.)
Gov. Nikki Haley of SC. (Not a personal favorite but in a pinch I could pull the lever for her.)
Haley Barbour? You weren’t here in 14 were you?
Sarah Palin!
CA....