~”He was never a first choice.. so why now?”~
He’s never been a first choice -for you.- He’s been a first choice for quite a lot of other people for quite some time. Members of Free Republic are not a representative sample of conservative sentiment.
Believe it or not, you’re outnumbered on this one.
Conservative Scoreboard:
Romney 35% - Keene,Weyrich, Rex Reed ...etc...
Paul 12%
Huckster 12%
Yes, he was first choice for some folks. If he hadn’t put 35+ million of his own money in to get the delegates he did, he’d be the first choice of scant few.
Money can get you votes and recognition. What it can’t do is erase your record.
If Massachusetts represents your notion of conservative sentiment, I guess youre right. But thats the trouble with Republicans, theyre living without a coherent Philosophy. Listen to Bobby Jindal if you want a counterexample. Dont get me wrong, I voted for him in my states primary but he can thank John McCain for that.