Attacks on Romney’s investor past backfire

TORN between reality and their political dreams, leading conservatives are defending Mitt Romney against attacks on his work in the private sector even as they search for a more palatable candidate amid a growing sense that his nomination looks certain.

Romney is marching steadily through South Carolina, a state still uncertain about him, and picking up a prominent conservative’s endorsement while sending a message to his party: It is time to stop the bickering.

Not just yet, some leading conservatives have said.