Without Ron, a lot of the movement defects, at least from supporting any other single candidate.
Until Rand can or will make a go of it, support may dwindle except for the more Libertarian part of his base, which to me means there will be still good fundraising, internet presence, as well as the sign waves and banner hangs, etc. I just don't see a large conservative voting base getting behind someone who is more libertarian than a traditional conservative. Ron Paul, for many, bridged that gap. I always believed a lot of Ron's votes came from libertarian leaning conservatives.
For example I could not fully support Peter Schiff (though I did donate) due to him not being pro life.
I know it's just my opinion, but a lot of the folks I won over for Ron Paul fell the same. I suspect there are a lot of others too.
Not arguing with anyone's preferences, Just sharing my opinion.