There are only three realistic candidates: Rudy, Romney and Huck. Two of them are clowns that will be shredded by the scrutiny of the general election. Rudy is thoroughly steeped in the corruption of N.Y.C. politics, and the stories will get much worse than using the NYPD as a private car service for his mistress. Huck is a freak that could start speaking in tounges at any moment. Romney’s best quality is that he is not an embarrasment, and with this field of losers to choose from, that’s a winning hand. The bottom line is this, the general election will be won by the electoral votes of a handful of states. If you care about electing a Republican, don’t vote for someone that can’t win Ohio (Rudy and Huck), or may actually lose Florida (Rudy...take it from me, Floridians don’t like New Yorkers and are really turned off by Rudy. He would not be able to mobilize volunteers).
I live in Ohio, and it's now an entitlement-based electorate (seasoned citizens + blue-collar union folk), and unless a plain-talking conservative like Fred is the nominee, the Democrats take Ohio easily.
FRed's connection with the common guy-on-the-street is what would propel him here, and his outside-the-mainstream-politicians appeal is key. Bob Taft destroyed any Republican's chances in Ohio for years to come, otherwise.
In Ohio, Romney is seen as an East Coast rich guy, with NO appeal to the blue-collar class, period.
Your analysis is incorrect and Romney is a loser RINO, IMHO.