The Washington Postreported Thursday evening that many in the Republican establishment are panicking over the continued success of the party’s outsider presidential candidates.

“There is growing anxiety bordering on panic among Republican elites about the dominance and durability of Donald Trump and Ben Carson and widespread bewilderment over how to defeat them,’’ wrote reporters Philip Rucker and Robert Costa.

According to Mitt Romney’s friends, the answer is Mitt Romney. From the Post:

According to other Republicans, some in the party establishment are so desperate to change the dynamic that they are talking anew about drafting Romney — despite his insistence that he will not run again. Friends have mapped out a strategy for a late entry to pick up delegates and vie for the nomination in a convention fight, according to the Republicans, who were briefed on the talks, though Romney has shown no indication of reviving his interest.

Again, Romney has “shown no indication of reviving his interest,’’ since the former Massachusetts governor announced back in January he would not make a third run for president.


The Post’s report also pointed out that many of Romney’s 2012 campaign big-money donors, including Florida doctor and unhappy camper Peter A. Wish, had yet to commit to a 2016 candidate:

“I’m not a happy camper,’’ Wish said. “Hopefully somebody will emerge who will be able to do the job,’’ but, he added, “I’m very worried that the Republican-base voter is more motivated by anger, distrust of D.C. and politicians and will throw away the opportunity to nominate a candidate with proven experience that can win.’’

However, conservative commentator Erick Erickson had some harsh words for Romney’s loyal followers Thursday evening on his blog Red State:

Good for Mitt Romney being adamant that this is not going to happen. His supporters, however, need to be deprogrammed. It is embarrassing that anyone is, at this point, talking about drafting Romney. Doing this would only boost Trump and Carson, the very people they are trying to shut down. […] Seriously, this is an embarrassing cult whose focus of worship even rejects them.

Is it too late for Romney to be House Speaker?

Read the Washington Post’s full report here.

2016 presidential candidates