In 2008 SC and NV were on the same day. McCain didn’t even bother trying NV because he was rightfully concerned with SC.
Also, NV has a very high mormon population which should help Romney.
I don’t think it’ll really be a big deal.
FL is the key. Its 50 delegates will give Newt the cushion he needs to absorb NV, CO, MI, AZ and make it to Super Tuesday.
really, if Romney loses by 10+ in FL he’s done anyway. none of the other states matter after that.
If Santorum loses as badly in Florida as he did in SC, the only thing keeping him in would be a subsidy from Mitt to keep him in so as to split the conservative vote. Mitt is unpopular among conservatives.
All Newt needs is for Santorum's social conservative base to decide that Newt may not be perfect, but he's the most conservative guy able to beat Obama. At that point Mitt is finished.