GOP strategist to L.A. Times: If Newt dropped out, 'Romney would have his hands full with Santorum'

[Newsjock]

Can't make this stuff up, kids.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gop-race-20120308,0,2831888.story

The former speaker of the House and Santorum "are in this for the long haul. You have got two of the most stubborn conservatives in the movement, not willing to blink for the other," said a longtime Republican strategist, who requested anonymity to speak candidly about his party's prospects. "It helps Romney a lot that Newt is still in there. If he dropped out, Romney would have his hands full with Santorum."

[deacon]

1. If Newt wanted to get even for all the negative romney ads, dropping out would be the perfect way to

screw him.

[napoleon_in_rags]

2. I wonder about this whole idea

Newt comes across as a smarty, Santorum comes across as a heartfelt soul man, and Mitt in all things comes across as intermediate. My opinion is that if Newt dropped out, the smarty fans would go to Mitt and the heart fans would go to Santorum, creating little difference in the big picture.

[Johonny]

4. yip

I don't think it is a safe assumption that all Newt and Santorum voters are anyone but Romney voters. Given that Santorum is by far now the obvious 2nd choice these people if they were really looking to beat Romney would have moved their vote by now. If Newt left it is hard to tell what these people would do. Probably a lot would just stay home and accept who wins and vote for them in November with their hand over their nose. If you are voting for Newt at this point, it's because you like Newt and probably distrust both Romney and Santorum.

[Kalidurga]

3. I am no English major, but I think...

the correct preposition they were looking for is of, full of Santorum.

[Devil_Fish]

6. Yes, Head line should read:

[Devil_Fish]

7. when Newt pulls out Romney will have his mouth filled with Santorum.

[applegrove]

8. I and somebody else were thinking the same thing last night. Could it be that

Super Pack money is going from Romney supporters to Newt?

[MrSlayer]

9. Puns aside, he's right.

Santorum would be winning if not for Newt. And, call me crazy, Santorum would be a harder opponent in the general.

[fishwax]

10. It's amusing that Newt stayed in to tweak Romney, and now he's going to wind up giving him the nom

Very effective, Newt.

[d_r]

11. it would have been such a better quote

if he'd said "pulled out" instead of dropped.

"It helps Romney a lot that Newt is still in there. If he pulled out, Romney would have his hands full with Santorum."