Minnesota's Pawlenty may be plenty enough for GOP

That confused assortment of announced Republican presidential candidates — as well as unannounced candidates and distant possibilities of candidates — seems to be clarifying somewhat. The withdrawal of Donald Trump and Mike Huckabee, as well as the withdrawal of much of Newt Gingrich’s staff, seems like a much-needed weeding-out process.

Although Mitt Romney has been leading in the polls, his lead over other potential rivals has been slim. Being a “front-runner” this far ahead of next year’s nominating convention would not mean much, even if Romney’s lead and his support were much bigger than they are.