It has been noticed and increasingly commented that Ron Paul studiously avoids saying anything negative about Mitt Romney, despite their positions having virtually nothing in common. Even the New York Times has written an article about how the two are "friendly despite the rivalry," and talk on the phone several times a day. Santorum has directly accused them of working together.

Now, a new study shows that Santorum just may be right. Think Progress has the details.

Will this apparent alliance test the loyalty of Ron Paul's followers? Or will they just ignore anything that causes cognitive dissonance?

And just what's in it for Paul in return for his being Romney's proxy in attack ads?

Oh, please, please please, make Ron the VP candidate. please, please, please, with a cherry on top.

...and the Paulistas have taken over The comments. There's not a comment that doesn't try to discredit this theory.

Pundits have been speculating that a deal has been cut to cast Rand Paul as the next in line for the GOP leadership role. Ron Paul is setting things up for his son to carry on. Rand Paul as VP candidate? Why not? He's no crazier than the other choices and Romney has got to pay off Ron Paul somehow.

I have no doubts about Romney's willingness and ability to cut deals with other candidates, but I'm not sure why he'd want to cut a deal with Paul. Being attacked by Ron Paul at a debate is kind of like being savaged by a baby rabbit. You're going to have to wash the drool out of your socks, but aside from that, there's really no lasting harm done.

One of the GOP's big problems from the outset of this campaign season was the lack of enthusiasm for any candidate other than the Paulistas for their candidate. The media has marginalized Ron Paul in every way they can, but he's still standing. He's the only dwarf who has not risen to frontrunner at some point and is unlikely to. But he has something none of the other contenders have.......a loyal, dedicated and enthusiastic base. He will have to be dealt with if they want him to bring along those badly needed votes. A message from Paul to stay home or a third party effort would sink any chance of winning.

Fair point. I could see Romney wanting to avoid a 3rd party bid from Ron Paul. I'm not as sure on the broader turnout question. Given the Paul base, I'm not sure how much he'll be able to deliver.

Conventional wisdom has it that Paul will not mount a third-party candidacy because of the negative impact on Rand's future in the GOP.

The shear political B.S. that that would involve, would piss off a LOT of voters.

This is the only way to unify the party. Rand has the TEA Party, sovereign citizen, Alex Jones, and Libertarian cred Rmoney lacks and can't get through party loyalty. The Santorum and Gingrinch supporters will hold their noses go in for Rmoney because of Party Loyalty.

Rand as VP is the best bet they have, for what that is worth.

Time for the "heartbeat away" talk.

Time to talk about "Aqua Buddha" again.

Bong Hits in the Oval Office

Bingo.

Rand Paul's negative impact with fellow GOP Senators has nothing to do with his dad. Rand earned that all by himself.