And yet … it turns out that Republicans who are surveyed by pollsters are paying enough attention to have popped more than a few balloons already. Not just self-evidently absurd candidacies like Donald Trump’s, but presumptively serious candidacies like Newt Gingrich’s have already imploded. Smart and appealing politicians like Haley Barbour and Mitch Daniels have tested the waters and found insufficient support.

Meanwhile, Romney continues to raise money, collect important backers and ride along in first place in the polls.

Why?

Well maybe it is all name ID.

Or maybe — does this give voters too much credit? — they are thinking about the close match between skills Romney has and the skills needed in a president.