"Romney May Be the End of the Line for the Republican Establishment."

Opines Scott Rasmussen.

Establishment Republicans in Washington broadly share the Democrats' view that the government should manage the economy. They may favor a somewhat more pro-business set of policies than their Democratic colleagues, but they still act as if government policy is the starting point for all economic activity.

Republican voters reject this view. They are more interested in promoting free market competition rather than handing out favors to big business. They detest corporate welfare and government bailouts, even though their party leaders support them....

If Romney loses in November, the Republican base will no longer buy the electability argument for an establishment candidate.

If Romney wins and does nothing to change the status quo, the economy will falter....