Tim Pawlenty is clearly in the lead, but is he simply checking off all the boxes, without excelling in any one area? Some are sure to argue that T-Paw’s attributes are a “mile wide, but an inch deep.”

This exercise, of course, measures the number of attributes each candidate possesses, but does not measure intensity. It is possible for Pawlenty to check off more boxes than anyone else, yet not be the leader in any individual category (Romney probably has more money, you’d probably rather have a beer with Haley Barbour, etc.)

Of course, this is not necessarily bad for Pawlenty. As the saying goes, “Democrats fall in love, but Republicans fall in line.” The candidates who have passionate followers also have passionate detractors. Pawlenty may be the guy who is best positioned to be everyone’s second pick. And by checking off all the boxes, he would be positioned to lead when the voters turn to him.