I think they will turn on Romney.
Apart from one debate - the etch-a-sketch trick which can only work one time on a stage because the next time, your opponent will be ready - he was abysmal.
The latest incarnations of disaster (the auto ads, Chris Christie, the FEMA issue etc) are the culmination of a campaign that has no heart and no philosophy. At least McCain had the former.
This is the worst candidate I have ever seen, barring Michael Foot in the UK election against Margaret Thatcher. Even he wasn't dishonest. It was just that his socialism was a useless theory and everyone knew it.
Mitt has the same problem. He depends upon largely discredited economics to promote his candidacy. With no wish to dump on csl, I believe the Republicans need a gentler philosophy if they plan to build a majority.