“He will lose.”
Santorum is strong where Obama is weak. He is also strong where Obama will need to win, in the battleground states like Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Stronger than McCain for that matter.
Romney, on the other hand, is strong where Obama is strong. This type of matchup leads to blowouts. Obama being stronger than Romney means that for the most part, Romney will be unable to garner the votes necessary to win.
McCain, had at least won several states in the South. Romney - has not, winning VA in a split with Paul (and still not getting 60+ in a two man race.
I am not convinced that supporting Romney will actually prove any benefit vs Obama from Santorum. And I think Santorum will make an excellent presidential candidate.
As for the money issue - Romney if he passes Obamacare will simply break the bank, no way around it. If we allow him to become the nominee, then quite simply, we are going to see 4 more years of Obama.
I am saying that I believe Santorum will lose to Romney in the primary. With last nights results and a string of states favorable to Romney comming up in the next month I don't see how a protracted, money burning primary could be in our best interest.
Starting from that point I believe that it is now necessary for Romney to pick Santorum as his running mate to consolidate the GOP. Anybody but Obama in 2012.