There are now just two people standing between Mitt Romney and the GOP presidential nomination — Newt Gingrich and Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire financier of Newt’s super PAC.

All the other Republican candidates have faded, like Jon Huntsman, or they’re about to fade, like Rick Santorum whose hot Iowa hand didn’t last, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, whose decision to stay in the race is a South Carolina dream come true for Romney, and a real setback for southern politician Gingrich.

Gingrich, despite his many faults, is the only contender with enough stature to make this an ongoing race, especially with his friend’s money keeping his hopes alive.