Since the mid-20th century, the GOP has usually nominated a candidate who has previously run and lost: Dewey (1948), Goldwater (1964, if you count the 1960 Goldwater boomlet), Nixon (1968 and 1972), Reagan (1980 and 1984), Bush (1988 and 1992), Dole (1996), and McCain (2008). So it is significant that USA Today reports:
While former Alaska governor Sarah Palin sparks more passion among many Republicans and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee conveys more folksy charm, Romney is waging the most deliberate and methodical campaign of any GOP presidential contender in at least two decades for the nomination in 2012.
After spending the first year of Barack Obama's presidency out of the public eye, Romney will launch a 19-state, three-month tour next week to promote his new book, No Apology: The Case for American Greatness. Included are speeches and appearances in the states that hold early contests in 2012, including Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
