I really thought the pollsters had blown it again and that Romney would not just edge out McCain but notch a solid win. It wasn't that I was anxious for a Romney victory, I just didn't want McCain. I've always felt that he's unique among candidates in that he's the only one who can win the election but can't get the nomination.

Now I'm less sure about the nomination part, and I don't exactly like it. Certainly McCain would be better than a power mad Democrat or her lightweight alternative, but McCain does make one wonder why he so needs to be President? He certainly isn't driven by the same sort of convictions that drove Ronald Reagan, so what does he expect to bring to the office? I only ask because it's not readily apparent.

Although I am also quite amused in that I know conservatives who will be driven insane by a McCain candidacy which almost makes it worth it.

But not quite.

The problem is that Romney doesn't really impress. He merely seems to be an adequate alternative to a real conservative. Coincidentally, that's the same reason, I think, that McCain gets the support he does. With him, people feel they have a known entity, much of which they don't like, while with Romney, it's an unknown entity despite and because of his record of governing, and people are concerned that what they may get might be worse than the the Senator from Arizona.

Blame Bush for that. It's not like he turned out to be a pleasant surprise, despite the fact that 68% of Republicans still approve of the job he's done. And that's another reason for the unexpectedly strong support for McCain - with him, there's really no discernible difference between him and the current office holder, and McCain might even cut some spending.

Now I don't think John McCain has the nomination locked up by any means, since the Super Tuesday states won't have the oldsters and the Cubans who supported McCain in Florida, but the fact is, Romney has not been able to light anyone's fire.

And I don't think he will, which doesn't bode well for November should Romney succeed in stalling McCain's momentum and capturing the nomination. He speaks fluidly, but you don't feel the conviction. He line seems rote and as well rehearsed as he's well groomed. He reminds me of a funeral director.

Giuliani is now expected to endorse McCain, further complicating Romney's prospects, and possibly giving Rudy the VP slot opposite Mr. Straight-Talk. All in all, that seems like a potentially winning ticket, even if the one I'd like better would be the reverse. By contrast, no one has emerged as a an exciting running mate for Romney.

So it's starting to look as if no matter who wins in November, the big winners will be Mexicans.

The big losers will, once again, be conservatives who haven't won in almost a quarter of a century. Of course conservatives are only getting what they deserve, and it could be worse... we could be libertarians.

Look for Han, Ann, et al to kick it up a notch now.