Moving on from Iowa

One by one they rise to challenge him, only to slide back to the pack as the withering scrutiny turns their way.

Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich — all had their day. But none has been able to sustain any long-term momentum with the GOP faithful.

Meanwhile, Mitt Romney stays the course in pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination, moving steadily and reliably forward like an ice breaker in polar waters.

And now comes his latest obstacle of the month, Rick Santorum. The former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania finished in a virtual dead heat with Mr. Romney in Tuesday’s Iowa caucuses, each winning about 25 percent of the vote.

In the aftermath Wednesday, Rep. Bachmann of Minnesota called it quits and Gov. Perry of Texas almost did. Mr. Gingrich, who finished fourth in Iowa, was left to ponder whether his campaign had peaked a few weeks too soon.

Mr. Santorum, meanwhile, was all smiles. But despite his impressive showing, he remains far behind Mr. Romney in organization and money and may have a tough time keeping up with the former Massachusetts governor as the Republican campaign turns to New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida before moving to Nevada on Feb. 4.

Besides, Mr. Santorum picked up plenty of his own baggage during 16 years in Congress. From a conservative perspective, he has a spotty record in many economic areas, including pork-barrel spending, labor issues, trade and wage regulations. Look for Mr. Romney to hone in there.

As for Texas Rep. Ron Paul, who took third in Iowa with 21.5 percent, even his most ardent followers will likely confess that while Rep. Paul brings an important and refreshing perspective to the debate, he’s unlikely to generate enough overall support to win the nomination.

Clearly, many Republicans haven’t yet settled on Mr. Romney. But as long as the challengers keep falling by the wayside, he’s odds on right now to be the last man standing.