rick santorum probably has one more shot in florida to show that he has staying power in the race. what we have seen is the beginning in south carolina of a collapse of the tea party republicans, the most conservative republicans, toward newt gingrich as the principal alternative. it would be great for mitt romney if rick santorum could stay viable beyond florida, but it s not clear he will do that. a final and brief answer, is it your expectation that if rick santorum does poorly in florida, he ll be out? i don t think he ll have any alternative. i don t think he ll have the noun go on. he shooehe s going to but a bad result could cripple him quickly. thanks so much. don t miss the republican tonight on a special edition of rock center with brian williams. live from tampa at 9:00 eastern on nbc.