GOP insiders assumed all along Romney was going to be nominee, sailing through with little competition. What that tells me about GOP insiders is there's quite a delta between what they know and what they THINK they know. With Mitt's PACs unleashing hit pieces on Santorum on a regular basis now, I highly doubt Rick would team up with him.
It would make no sense for Rick to pick Mitt, when there are so many candidates that are better. The problem is the GOP E. The only reason they are talking of a combined ticket, is if there is no clear winner with enough delegates to win it outright. They do not want a brokered convention and want this settled before then.
Both political parties have a history of strong arm, back room deals. In an interview with Greta, Foster Freiss alluded to a Santorum/Romney ticket being acceptable. Acceptable to Whom?? The fact that Freiss and Rick supported Romney in 2008 make that not unfeasable. I think it would be unacceptable to most Santorum supporters and a betrayal of their votes and wishes.
I am a Newt supporter, but will vote for Santorum in the general if Romney is not on the ticket.