The Wall Street Journal has some interesting tidbits in this small little article:

After strong first-quarter fund raising and solid debate performances, he enjoys polling leads in both Iowa and New Hampshire. Though he still trails nationally, "I really think Romney is the front-runner," Dole's 1996 campaign manager, Scott Reed, says.

Romney advisers predict Fred Thompson's entry will only temporarily curb their candidate's momentum. But decisions by McCain and Giuliani to abandon Iowa's August straw poll increase pressure on Romney to score a clear win and avoid surprises by second-tier challengers Huckabee, Brownback or Tommy Thompson.

1. Romney the front runner? Not yet, but I do say he is "a frontrunner" tied with Giuliani.

2. Romney Team prediciting Fred's only a temporary disturbance? Fred has got some good early following, but it's based on personality. So Romney's team is predicting beyond southern charm and a red truck there won't be much, I am of course inclined to agree, but nothing is written in stone. So far I haven't seen much from Fred that demonstrates great speaking or fabulous ideas (not to mention his odd abortion quotes and odd questionnaire,) but I am ready to be proven wrong.

3. Increased need to perform well at Ames? You bet. Romney needs a win and a very decisive one. Really Ames will turn into (barring Fred not finding some "Regan Courage" and actually showing up) who can be the best anti-Romney candidate. For candidates like Brownback, that's nothing new.