Mitt Romney is not on a path to secure a first-ballot nomination at present. Yet Rick Santorumis not trying to win the most delegatesin the upcoming elections, instead focusing on the atmospherics of winning certain states like Michigan, and, ostensibly then, neighboring Ohio.
How does this make sense? Only if he is trying to make a "hostile" bid for the #2 slot. Romney doesn't want to nominate anyone from the right wing if he doesn't have to and repeat "Palin." He wants someone that helps him with the voters he needs to win. That could be someone from "the base" like Santorum, but Santorum's negatives probably outweigh his positives.
If Santorum can say, "Look, Mitt, I've got the delegates you need to secure a first-ballot nomination and I have strength in key states," he might be able to force his way onto the ticket.
Of course, there's the old Ockham's Razor explanation: he's just fucking stupid and can't count.
11:30 AM PT: Apparently, Santorum is at least showing up in the state, trying to woo nutjob Arpaio.