I also think they would have won. But what would the republicans have won. Trump got the nomination because so many felt the other pols making a bid for the nomination would give us more of the same.
After 16 brutal years under Bush and Obama with a do nothing congress, change was in order.
It is a shame, the person selected was Trump. Trump doesn't know how to play the game. He's blunt. He doesn't smile and tell someone what they want to hear.
Other than Kasich, I can think of none of the other 16 that would have inspired me. Regular Washington insiders with the same old party line.