It was Santorum's plan to split the conservative vote and then quit after South Carolina or Florida. The only reason he stayed on was that Ron Paul continued to stay on and his plans were upset.
You clearly do not understand politics if you think that Santorum is not part of the Karl Rove group. This group really panicked when it seemed that Herman Cain would win the nomination and the presidency. That is why they went after him. The Karl Rove group would rather have one of their Democrat friends as President than someone who is a fiscal conservative.
Karl Rove group
Yes, with the help of Fox News and of course Ann Coulter and the like.
They basically did to the conservatives what the lib media does to everyone.
They did their best to smeer anyone who got in Romney’s way. When, as you said, Cain was a real threat they all had that MBNBC sick look like when Kerry lost to Bush.
As soon as Romney was in they were happy and all was right with their little world.
A couple a month a when Rubio was pandering to illegals that I belive was the signal he is the VP nom.
The Rove group is pro amnesty through and through.
2012 and beyond is not going to be the new era of conservatism.
Any simularities will be happenstance.
Welcome to squishy rino/moderate land.
Actually it was Newt who shilled for Romney. Look up the Sheldon Adelson connections to learn the truth. Newt’s campaign died in Florida but became bitter and refused to bow out when Rick picked up steam.