Gov. Romney's interview with the Washington Examiner is interesting not for his direct attack on Sen. McCain, one of the few politicians who has actually exhibited leadership on the Iraq War, but this statement: “I’m a conservative Republican, there’s no question about that…. I’m at a different place than the other two [McCain and Giuliani].”

Well, as I’ve noted before, it’s clear from the comments of Giuliani and his staff that if the mayor does jump in, he’s not about to concede conservatives to anyone. Indeed, it wouldn’t take much effort for Rudy to question his opponents’ conservative credentials on some issues just as they question his. McCain’s record is well known, so look for the Giuliani camp, in public and on background, to target Romney’s record and past statements a bit more in the early stages of the campaign.

I still very much doubt the mayor can win the nomination, but nothing in Rudy’s background suggests he’ll be a punching bag for his opponents. He’ll throw just as many jabs as he’ll absorb. And if he doesn’t run, the former prosecutor would be an excellent surrogate for the presidential camp that lands him. Then there’s Newt…and Brownback…