Huntsman has failed to resonate because he lacks a sense of charisma. I have not heard ONE Republican (and I know plenty) say that Huntsman is not to be considered because he accepted an appointment from the Obama administration. If former Secretary Gates were to run, the fact that he was Defense Secretary for over two years to Obama would not harm him. Having worked for Bill Clinton was not seen as an impediment to Colin Powell in 1996 when he was being begged to run.

When Romney wins, it won't be because he "drowned out the other candidates with money", but because none of the other candidates have any chance of winning, and Republicans know it. The phrase "hold your nose and vote for Romney" is a very apt one - people have reservations, but who are the alternatives?

1. A guy who talks about arresting Federal judges if he doesn't like their decisions and who is uniformly hated by everyone he's worked with, and who has had numerous ethical violations. In short: possible dictator, lots of baggage.

2. A guy who can't even win re-election in his own backyard, who actually wants to make birth control illegal, who sounds whiney and petty and who has no visible experience or qualifications to be President of anything, much less the US. In short: crazy unqualified loser.

3. A guy who has an empty record because he served as governor of a state where the governor has virtually no power, and who seems to be somewhat mentally challenged. In short: dumb and lacking substance.

4. A 78-year-old crackpot who wants to return America to the gold standard (and perhaps to the horse and buggy as well), who regularly expresses opinions that are at odds with the general Republican platform. In short: old nutcase.

5. Huntsman, who would probably make a good President but who doesn't resonate with voters.