Playing catch-up before the race begins

Mitt Romney faces a daunting to-do list as he transitions into the role of likely Republican presidential nominee.

Among the tasks: raise as much money as possible for the general election campaign against President Barack Obama; hire more people and send them to the most critical states in the fall race; hone his message to appeal to voters across the political spectrum.

And do it all quickly while fending off challenges from GOP rivals who refuse to quit the primary race.