But Romney may not have it locked up even if he wins SC. If 2 of the 3 (Gingrich, Santorum, Perry) drop out after SC, 1 remains we may have a race after all.
That said, I am so committed to getting Obama out that I would vote for Huntsman (his wife or daughters), if that's what it took to get Obama out and Obamacare repealed.
It’s possible except, I believe, for the ego’s involved. If Romney wins - Perry and Huntsman should be out. I do not see Newt or Santorum dropping out for a few more states. Newt has stated that he sees Santorum as the Jr partner - which he may have trouble ceding the conservative spot to. Santorum has done decently - so seems unlikely to walk away without more losses (and he’s more flush with money than he’s ever been).
I think Romney goes up in this situation (more likely to get Huntsman voters) and the conservative vote is still split two ways and either one or both is likely to be drained of funds. If the conservative vote is split through March 6, it’s done. The path for a conservative consolidation is very narrow.