[chimera]

I don't see how it can be otherwise. These four guys have been out there pounding the campaign ground for almost a year. To have someone who has sat back on the sidelines swoop in and take the nomination would be unbelievably cruel and unfair and I doubt well-received by the electorate. Now I know many on FR aren't thrilled with the field and I'll probably be flamed for saying this, but these are the guys who have put themselves and their families (unfortunately, but that is the world we live in, at least for 'Pubs) on the line in a very hostile political and media environment, have answered the call and stood up to give it their best shot. Anyone who hasn't can't really be in a position to make a case for themselves.

[cripplecreek]

The man with the most delegates isn’t going to simply step aside.

People with the fantasy of the perfect candidate suddenly appearing as the nominee may as well hope for magical unicorns.

[CaptainK]

I’d have little to no respect for a candidate who didn’t have the courage to step into the grueling primary process but was willing to be whisked in as the nominee on a free ride, stepping over the others who were pummeled over the past 9 months.

[duffee]

I don’t care if the process is limited to the four or any Republican in the nation as long as the Nominee is Newt. If not Newt I would prefer to pick from a short list of those who didn’t run.

[caww]

These four guys have been out there pounding the campaign ground for almost a year. To have someone who has sat back on the sidelines swoop in and take the nomination would be unbelievably cruel and unfair

You've got to be kidding! No matter how you paint the picture 'all four are applying for a job'....it's that simple. We've all seen and experienced how that tune can play out most unfairly in our own life.

Heck, I accepted a position and gave two weeks notice only to have my supposedly new employer call me the night before my first day and announce he'd rehired the gal back he had fired. Imagine that!

Getting a job...no matter at what level isn't about fairness.....so you can put that argument to bed...besides all candidates know it's a dirty and nasty endeavor to get into politics.....they all knew what was on the line and what to expect. Going to convention was aired and discussed from the get go.

[Chickensoup]

I don’t see how it can be otherwise. These four guys have been out there pounding the campaign ground for almost a year. To have someone who has sat back on the sidelines swoop in and take the nomination would be unbelievably cruel and unfair and I doubt well-received by the electorate.

____________________________

Are you kidding? Most people are saying “What horrible choices!”

A good choice would be well received