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Campaign Crawlers
Santorum’s Round-Trip Ticket
Conservative candidate sees hope in the Hawkeye State.
Rick Santorum had a layover last night in the Dallas-Fort Worth airport, having taken the cheapest flight available from Iowa to Washington, D.C. “That’s the kind of campaign we’re running,” said the former Pennsylvania senator, who will fly back to Iowa tomorrow. He was scheduled to speak this morning at a forum hosted by the Republican Jewish Coalition, an event being held at the Ronald Reagan Building, the address of which is 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue. Santorum knows that his hope of making it to the White House three blocks away depends almost entirely on the voters of the Hawkeye State. Santorum will be campaigning practically non-stop in Iowa in the four weeks leading up to the Jan. 3 precinct caucuses. But of course, he’s been campaigning there nearly non-stop all year.
Santorum is the only candidate in the GOP 2012 field who has visited all 99 counties in Iowa, where he has already held more than 250 events this year, and yesterday ended a three-day swing through the western part of the state that was his most successful tour so far. Last week he was endorsed by one of Iowa’s most influential evangelical leaders, Pastor Cary Gordon of Cornerstone World Outreach in Sioux City, who predicted at a Monday event with Santorum: “This man is just about to blow the doors off the caucus.”
That bold prophecy of a political miracle — at a time when polls show Santorum currently near the back of the Republican pack — is not merely a matter of faith, because Gordon is the kind of man who can make a major difference in a state where Christian conservatives are a key factor in GOP politics. Gordon led a successful effort last year to defeat the re-election of three state supreme court justices who “voted to impose same-sex marriage on the people of Iowa,” as Santorum said in our brief telephone interview last night.
Gordon “stood tall and stood firm and gained a lot of respect in the pro-family community for what he did,” Santorum said, pointing out that the Sioux City minister recorded a 19-minute online video making the case for his candidate of choice. “Lay your fears aside. Put the polling data aside… and vote principles,” Gordon declared in the video. Because of his record of standing up for Christian values, the evangelical leader’s endorsement sent “a very strong signal to pastors that we were the right choice among the conservatives who are vying for the nomination in Iowa,” Santorum said, describing Gordon as “someone who’s going to be actively engaged and involved in helping recruit more people to the team.”
People of faith sometimes see signs and omens where secular minds see mere coincidence, which could spark a spirited debate over the significance of an interesting fact: On the same day the Santorum campaign announced Gordon’s endorsement, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin spontaneously offered praise for Santorum on national television. In a Thursday appearance on Sean Hannity’s popular Fox News program, Palin was asked if she thought the fight for the Republican nomination had come down to a contest between former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. “No, not yet,” answered Palin, the GOP’s 2008 vice-presidential candidate, explaining that if voters decide “they want ideological consistency, then they’re going to start paying attention to, say, Rick Santorum, who has been consistent on being a hard-liner against Iran, to help protect Israel. He’s been consistent on wanting to protect the most vulnerable and the sanctity of life.”
Some might dismiss that unsolicited praise from Palin, who remains popular with conservative Tea Party activists, as an entirely random remark. For Santorum, however, her words may have been answered prayer, providing the underdog candidate with the kind of fundraising boost his low-budget campaign needs in the final weeks before the Iowa caucuses.
“Our small dollar donations have just dramatically increased, which is, you know, a great sign for us… and I think Sarah Palin’s comments were absolutely critical to that,” Santorum said, adding that there has also been a noticeable “spike” in traffic to his campaign website. His supporters have wondered if last week’s surprising praise from Palin will prove the prelude to an outright endorsement. Her pattern in previous elections has been to maximize her impact by endorsing candidates at pivotal moments, unleashing an overwhelming flood of contributions and publicity to the chosen campaign.
Santorum wasn’t waiting on miracles during his layover in the Dallas airport last night, however, but was focused on doing the hard work of campaigning he’s been doing all year. He doesn’t expect a sudden surge in the polls, Santorum said, but plans to “scratch and claw and continue to build that grassroots support” he sees as vital to victory in Iowa. “As people look at the candidates and see who’s the strongest, most conservative candidate who can take on Obama… someone who’s been solid, someone that you can trust, I feel like good common-sense Iowans are going to say, ‘You know, Santorum is the guy.’ And like I said, I think we’re going to surprise folks.”
The call came for final boarding on his flight to D.C. for today’s event on Pennsylvania Avenue. Santorum will fly back Thursday to Iowa, where voters will decide whether or not it’s a one-way trip.
About the Author
Robert Stacy McCain is co-author (with Lynn Vincent) of Donkey Cons: Sex, Crime, and Corruption in the Democratic Party (Nelson Current). He blogs at The Other McCain.
Tony| 12.7.11 @ 7:00AM
Rick has the albatross of Arlen Specter, and he
was too much of a Bushie.
Jack in Wi| 12.7.11 @ 9:12AM
Rick is a chickenhawk who puts war far above his pro life views. He is just another stop gap. first came Bachman, then Perry, then old Herm got his boost. Now Gingrich is already getting the boot from the elites because he is a hopeless windbag and crook. Their last desperate hope is Santorum. Well the die is cast. It is either Ron Paul or Romney get used to it.
DTOM| 12.7.11 @ 12:37PM
Jacque en Wisconsin, si'l vous plait!
Zak Klemmer| 12.7.11 @ 1:14PM
Conservatives need to understand that the Republican Party and "Conservatism" are not mutually inclusive. Our nation State had become so authoritarian that a candidate like Ron Paul stands out because his record of supporting the strict construction of the US Constitution is an anathema to the "true believers" of Statism including those who think that a moral Utopia can come about by the force of law alone.
Mimi| 12.7.11 @ 7:26AM
Rick lost his SENATE seat to the son of a PRO-LIFE giant who did NOT follow in his fathers footsteps...and drank the KOOL-AID.
Rick can easily get that Senate seat back...Maybe the good lord is asking him to serve in another way...Lots of talent there and good experience!
Seek| 12.7.11 @ 1:10PM
Santorum lost his Senate seat by a 59%-41% margin. That's hardly the mark of a proven winner. Maybe being a religious hardliner is a debit, not an asset -- in Pennsylvania and the rest of the nation.
Quartermaster| 12.8.11 @ 7:26PM
Santorum lost because of his support of Snarlin' Arlen. That support is still dogging him.
One really weird system IMHO| 12.7.11 @ 7:59AM
Thanks for the article on Rick Santorum. He's been given the least attention of the candidates. And there is no sound reason to overlook him. He's a good man, and I am glad that he's running.
My beef is just the calendar and the strategy for "how to win the party nominations."
All this focus on just Iowa, NH, South Carolina, Nevada and Florida makes the rest of the nation (and our U.S. territories) look like stale meatloaf -- though, aside from Florida, these early states are tiny.
New Hampshire is just a blip on the screen in terms of land mass and state adult voting population.
Look at the schedule of primaries and tell me this makes sense: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R.....ries,_2012 (scroll halfway down to look at the dates AND number of delegates at stake in each state) Look also at the color coded by month U.S. map.
Look at the chronological order of state primaries (or caucuses)
I'm here to tell ya, folks, if your state does not do its primary prior to March 10th, you just been DISenfranchised in deciding who will be the GOP presidential nominee.
What you think/your vote -- don't matter squat.
The nomination will be wrapped, packed, and sealed by Super Tuesday on March 6th.
And that will leave 2/3 of you without a "voice" in this process.
Please look to this Wikipedia list of RNC provided primary voting dates. See where your state falls in the sequence.
See your state's name below?
Missouri, Illinois, Alabama, Maryland, Louisiana, Delaware, Wisconsin, New York, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Indiana, West Virginia, Nebraska, Arkansas, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, California, and Utah all come well AFTER March 6, 2012.
All those of you living in those states mentioned -- ya just don't matter when it comes to deciding who will replace Barack Obama.
Now, you tell me -- What kinda daffy system is this?
Think about how crazy it is that Rick Santorum can boast that he's been in 99 Iowa counties, yet he's completely ignored neighboring states like Illinois, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas -- which all have equal or certainly more Delegates. (No, he's probably not completely ignored these places BUT he sure hasn't visited 100% of the counties in those neighboring states)
I'm not picking on Rick Santorum; all the candidates like Newt, Bachmann, Huntsman, Paul, etc. are doing likewise. I just want to know why a farmer in Iowa or a plumber in New Hampshire is far MORE worthwhile to the future of our republic than their fellow journeymen in Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, OR YOUR STATE.
Am I off base here or is our system for sane selection off base?
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.7.11 @ 8:27AM
One Really,
Take heart. In THIS cycle every delegate will count...right up to the convention.
PCC| 12.7.11 @ 9:00AM
You are not off-base. It is precisely this kind of thinking that caught Ms. Clinton flat-footed against Mr. Obama. However, Mr. Obama's campaign had the staying power in all those states Mrs. Clinton overlooked. Does Mr. Santorum have the same staying power? I think not.
hrh| 12.7.11 @ 9:28AM
Well, you can take heart from two realities this cycle:
1. All delegates in primaries/caucuses up to April 1 will be handed out on a proportional basis based on the vote tallies. Only AFTER April 1, will delegates be Winner Take All.
2. All the early states who moved their primary/caucus dates lost HALF their delegates.
So, it seems to me, the early states are much weaker than the media is letting on.
Of course, the media may not have even realized the weakness of the early states this year. They do get stuck on a narrative, and, like dead fish, they all go with the flow.
ORWSI| 12.7.11 @ 5:16PM
hrh, it is most interesting what you list above in your points. Please, it would be a tremendous lift to my comprehension of what we're about to embark upon if I could see this codified. Is there a link? (I'd prefer to not have to rely on Wikipedia).
I very much like the delegates being apportioned based upon/mirroring the vote tallies up through March 31. (if I understand your comments correctly) Frankly, I'd like to see that for ALL primaries.
I am just very concerned about the typical HYPE (grotesque over-hype) that candidates who do well in Iowa and New Hampshire get.
Remember the very misplaced hype about Iowa (it is just Ames -- it is NOT statewide) straw poll in August? It is a bit the same for the Florida straw poll. (These straw polls don't see the numbers that turn out on primary dates -- certainly not on general election dates)
I am concerned that we'll see another couple of candidates do a Tim Pawlenty (pulled out after the Iowa straw poll) and pull out after South Carolina on January 21st. And then one or two more on the days after Florida January 31st.
(They'll cite the typical campaign money problems)
Yet there will still be 46 states, Washington, D.C. and 6 territories remaining to case primaries votes.
Even with the delegates halved for Michigan, Florida, South Carolina, Arizona, and New Hampshire because they moved their primary dates forward, I think that the stupid HORSE RACE nonstop 24/7 media hype kills most campaigns before the "horses" even (to keep with the metaphor) reached the first track turn.
Rhoetus | 12.7.11 @ 5:54PM
I don't care about NH and Iowa. Why the politicians and political parties suck up to voters in these two states is beyond my comprehension. Neither have a track record of predicting the winner in November.
roadmaster| 12.7.11 @ 9:37AM
No, you're not off base - the system is "rigged" by the GOP to diminish the vote of those they wish would just go away - conservatives, and now the Tea Party. Both D's and R's are heavily invested in bigger gubmint and all the goodies they suck out of it. No room for troublemakers who want to (GASP) slay the monster, or amputate some of it's limbs.
I'm hoping Rick gets some traction as I've always been a fan, but haven't paid any attention to him this year because he's shown so poorly. He is certainly more attractive than Newt or Paul and definitely more conservative than Mitt. Let's face it, debates really don't mean diddly squat - this is going to be a beauty contest like always, only more so. Mitt looks good but is too "oily." Forget Newt and Paul - they're about as telegenic as the rear end of a Holstein cow. Huntsman is pleasant to look at but he's an even bigger RINO than Mitt. Perry may have done a very good job in his state, but people aren't going for another TX governor for a long time.
The American voters as a whole are as shallow and simple minded as they've ever been in history. They voted for Obama didn't they? And they're dumb enough to do it again. Better to have a handsome, smiling face than a grouchy old guy. We pick Presidents because they LOOK presidential. MuhCain didn't, wouldn't, couldn't - so he lost.
Let's go for the best looking conservative - Rick or maybe Michelle. As pathetic as that argument is, it's the best shot we have in this Idol culture of ours.
ORWSI| 12.7.11 @ 5:26PM
There is a lot to the Idol Culture you refer to. Does anyone for one second think that a Michigan Congressman Thaddeus McCotter could make the slightest dent in a presidential race? Heck, he probably is never going to be Michigan U.S. Senate material.
Is that his fault? Heck no! It's called natural male pattern hair loss. And we fools write him (and anyone like him) off within seconds of seeing him on our BoobTube screen.
In my state we have a roly poly lieuteant governor who is probably the best statewide person doing the job. But he's hit his glass ceiling. Looks, hair loss, buldge around the waiste. He's more than pleasant enough. But he will be labeled a future loser based on looks.
Romney's and Perry's looks keep them viable (and have already in all the "elections" of their lives to this point) while Ron Paul will lose because he looks like he's on the cusp of being a tottering old man.
We focus much too much on shallow appearances that have to do with DNA and nature, not real acumen for the tasks ahead.
mike c| 12.7.11 @ 9:42AM
Here' s the logic;
The 1st states are small therefore underfunded campaigns have a chance to get their feet under them using old fashioned shoe leather.
Iowa & NH are a much more level playing field than say NY where the media costs would be prohibitive for everyone but the big boys.
Occam's Tool| 12.7.11 @ 3:17PM
Wow, Minnesota actually gets to matter in this primary season. Wasn't so important in 2008. I had just moved here.
I probably will vote for our favorite daughter if she's still running, I suppose.
Bob| 12.7.11 @ 8:21AM
Wasn't Ricky destroyed in his last election? What's this catholic, bootlicking pope worshiper doing in the race? GOPukers just amaze me.
Silver Bullet| 12.7.11 @ 5:21PM
As a Catholic who believes what the Church teaches (apparently unlike Pelosi, Biden, the late Kennedy, etc.), I have met many anti-Catholics like you.
Please consider yourself to be mis-informed & try to bring yourself up to speed on actual Catholic beliefs.
A couple of places to learn about Catholicism would be our Catechism; and any one or more great websites such as Catholic Answers www.catholic.com
There are many converts to Catholicism these last 20 years, many of whom started from exactly your frame of reference, which is quite misguided.
(Does it not occur to you that we Catholics certainly do not consider ourselves to be pope worshipers? Why do you use this "throw-away" line at all? It's a "cheap" shot that makes me think that you are truly ignorant, or truly bigoted, or both -- none of which, I am sure, must be truly the case. Learn to express your doubts about Catholicism in a more thoughtful manner, please!)
Please learn why we want you to join us in "Christ in His Fullness," by Bruce Sullivan; or from the many conversion stories of Protestant Pastors from the Coming Home Network -- www.chnetwork.org
Learn about the many converts, too numerous to list here, including: Scott & Kimberly Hahn; Bruce Sullivan; Jimmy Akin; Mark Shea; Karl Keating; Francis Beckwith (a revert Catholic, though also formerly President of the Evangelical Theological Society); Marcus Grodi; etc.
Please re-consider!! And may your guardian angel tweak your interest in Catholicism!!
Willis| 12.7.11 @ 8:23AM
I find it very hard to think positively about anyone who uses the word "folks" a la Obama and O'Reilly.
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.7.11 @ 8:28AM
Hey Willis,
what word would you substitute?
"Y'all?"
Moe Blotz| 12.7.11 @ 8:46AM
Since candidate Santorum hails from Pittsburgh, yins would be more appropriate.
Willis| 12.7.11 @ 10:25AM
Actuallly, I think it's "younz".
Moe Blotz| 12.7.11 @ 3:16PM
Do youse know anyone from Pittsburgh, Willis? If not, go to the Steel City or one of the smaller towns nearby and tell me what youse hear. Yin from old Scots dialect refers to one bloke, yins refers to several people. Oy Ken, maybe yins all would be a good substitute.
W| 12.7.11 @ 4:15PM
Moe and Willis
You are both correct, we don't worry about spelling it, just pronouncing it.
Are you guys from Pgh?
Mike Hawk| 12.7.11 @ 5:54PM
Ron Paul is. I wonder if he still says 'yins'??
Willis| 12.7.11 @ 8:51PM
I am; don't think Moe is. Otherwise he would go dahntahn to the Still City to watch them Stillers.
W| 12.7.11 @ 10:09PM
What area of Pgh?
Beat the Browns tomorrow night, but it isn't the same as beating the original Browns who moved to Baltimore to become the Ravens. The old Browns were a great rivalry.
Mike Hawk| 12.7.11 @ 5:56PM
Rick Santorum has used 'folks' for a long time before anyone ever heard of Barry O.
Robroberts| 12.7.11 @ 9:12AM
Rick Santorum is a sad, delusional little man. He would like to impose a fascist theocracy upon America. He dwells on gay people and gay sex almost constantly, to the point where even his supporters are questioning what might be hiding in his closet. Whatever little Ricky is selling, America isn't buying -- just look at the polls. And the endorsement of a loony wench like Sarah Palin is just the final nail in Santorum's political coffin.
Mike Hawk| 12.7.11 @ 6:02PM
You are full of crap. Rick was a great Senator. Far better than the Obot empty suit masquerading as his Ol Man. That would be Bob (with one 'o') Casey. If he had not been named Casey and had Fast Eddy Sopendell pulling his strings, that election would have gone to Santorum. The Republican Establishment pulled the rug out from under him too, same as they did Jim Talent and George Allen.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 9:18AM
Rick Santorum lost his senate bid in 2006.
Gov. Rick Perry never lost any election , and was elected three times as the governor of TX.
Who's more electable?
Perry or Santorum?
W| 12.7.11 @ 11:08AM
Bill,
In Pa the Dems always come out of Philadelphia with a margin of over 350.000 votes, depending on the turnout from the cemeteries.
This means the Reps have to overcome this margin from the remaining counties. Santorum did it twice statewide, and once knocked off Teresa Heinz when the country club Reps were floating her name to run for John Heinz's seat.
If Rick S ran in Texas he would get 90% of the vote. If Rick P ran in Pa he would get clobbered worse than Rick S in 2006.
I still like both Ricks.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 11:54AM
Gov. Rick Perry won 3 times as the governor of TX, with a population of 25 million, with almost 53% of the population are minority.
Rick Perry never lost any election in his lifetime.
I like Rick Santorum, a great debater, with a losing record. He will serve in the cabinet when Rick Perry dumps Obama in Chicago Warehouse.
W| 12.7.11 @ 2:36PM
OK with me, Bill
Mike Hawk| 12.7.11 @ 6:07PM
Rick was elected twice. His problem was a bad year for Republicans, lack of support by the Republican establishment types and Bob (with one 'o') Casey as the Democrat. Casey's father was a popular Governor. The son is an empty suit who gets elected on his father's reputation and the fact too many dummass Dems confuse the two. BTW, the senior Casey died a few years ago.
W| 12.7.11 @ 6:17PM
Rick was elected twice as senator, and once as a congressman, beat Doug Walgren a long term incumbent. Rick lost the "pure conservatives" in 2006 because he endorsed Specter over Toomey in 2004 at the request of Bush. Bush wanted Specter on the judiciary committee for his judges.
Timothy L. Pennell| 12.7.11 @ 9:27AM
If this was any other time, I would say the Rick Santorum hasn't got a chance. But, this isn't any other time, and I believe that it ain't over.
Newt Gingrich is a BRILLIANT Politician/Historian/Man. His problem, is that he likes to Shoot from the Lip, and Aim later. I am positive that he could rip the cover off the ball, when it comes to Debating Obama's Teleprompter. He knows his stuff, he just doesn't know when to shut up.
Think - Howard Dean. By all accounts, he was a sure bet to get the Nomination. He lost in Iowa. Someone sneaked up behind him on stage and gave him an Atomic Wedgie, he Screamed, and it was all over.
Think - Hillary Clinton. The Red Queen's Nomination for a Coronation, was a foregone conclusion. After all. Her husband was an Impeached President, who was repeatedly charged with RAPE, Molestations, Indecent Exposure, and leaving DNA on a Fat Chick, with a Thong and a Beret. In the Land of Democrats, these are all Resume Enhancements, and nodody's damn business, anyway.
Yep. Lady Macbeth was as good a bet as Secretariat was, in the Belmont. She of Royal Blood. She, of the Barefoot State's Upper Crust. It was an honour, for some, just to be in the same elevator as her, when she let one rip, out her tailpipe.
"And the winner is?" Ooops.
I really can't see Romney, as the guy. And, I can't imagine that Gingrich will be. Ron Paul might as well be Pat Paulson. (Some say, he is) Huntsman? (What's the matter? Ray Lahoud was too busy?) Herman Cain became just the latest BLACK to be Viciously LYNCHED, for the Crime of Pulling himself up by his boot straps. That, and not kissing the White Liberal Masaa's Ass.
So, who's left? Santorum and Bachmann. Are you telling me that these two, running together on a Santorum/Bachmann Ticket, couldn't wipe the floor with the ABOMINATION that is - Obama/Biden?
I could run my Crap Stained Underpants against those two, and beat them like a rented mule. But that's ME. I would go after Obama Personally. Impersonally. in the Third Person. WHATEVER. I would harp on his being Raised in Indonesia. His associations with Frank Marshall Davis. Jeremiah Wright. Bill Ayers. Bernadine Dohrn. Louis Farrakhan. Khalid Rashidi. the Black Panthers. ACORN. SEIU. Richard Trumpka.
JESUS told HIS Disciples: "Men shall know you by the company you keep."
Indeed.
Unlike the Effeminate PUKES, at the RNC, I wouldn't hold anything back, against this NIGHTMARE.
Unlike that PUNK - Karl Rove - I would not only DEFEND MYSELF, but I would drag him through the OPEN SEWER that he has spent his ENTIRE ADULT LIFE in. And I would hold his head under.
But, like I said, before: That's me.
roadmaster| 12.7.11 @ 9:42AM
Yeah, what Tim said....
Blackwatch| 12.7.11 @ 11:53AM
Roadmaster you beat me too it!
Tim has a formula to win against a slimy Chicago thug. We all need to bring the fight to Obama and his media stooges.
Start with the commercial sponsors of the media stooges. "Wade into them and spill their blood" (rhetorically not literally Mr./Ms. editor.) boycott their products--no more GM or Chryslers, don't ship UPS, don't buy GE products, etc. etc. etc. Make sure you tell the companies why you are doing this.
Now that Macy's has fired an employee for not letting some freak fetish transvestite use the women's changing room instead of the men's changing room we won't be shopping at Macy's ever again. Not until the President of the company who sponsored this crap is fired and a public apology is made to the victim employee. Macy's you joined Target on our sh*t list.
BStacks| 12.7.11 @ 11:51AM
Boo Ya!
Occam's Tool| 12.7.11 @ 3:20PM
Exactly, Tim...bring up Ayers and Dohrn and Wright and OWS and Van Jones and all of the scum he associates with. Bring up Fast and Furious and Solyndra...
And, most important of all, do what John McCain was too much of a pussy to do---question the bastard's patriotism, and that of his wife's in every goshdarned speech. Note that he hates his country and keep pounding away....
Rhoetus | 12.7.11 @ 4:55PM
Except that Ron Paul is more like James Madison and Rick Perry is more like W- symbolism over substance. That's what's wrong with "Conservatives" today arguing single issues- pointing fingers. What is the big picture? Individual rights protected by our (ignored) Constitution. Not selling out to pollsters or media pundits.
Robroberts| 12.7.11 @ 6:32PM
Timothy -- a Bachman/Santorum ticket? I guess you are not joking. Your combination of ignorence and certitude is astounding. Do have any notion at all how much antipathy there is in America for both these candidates? If they ran together they would probably get around 6 to 7% of the vote, if that. Nobody is in the mood to live in a fascist theocracy, start another war in the middle east, or dwell on attacking gays. Especially from a closeted gay man (Santorum) and a woman married to a gay man (Bachman).
richard ryan| 12.7.11 @ 9:44AM
Well, so far I have learned that Santorum is a "chickenhawk, fascist, delusional, pope-worshipping Bushie." Any of you name-callers have anything intelligent to say about his policies? Look, Santorum is a solid conservative who just hasn't been able to generate any momentum in this race. His consistent message is very pro life, pro family, and pro US manufacturing. He pointed out in one of the debates that we can talk about tax policy, foreign policy, etc all day long but until we restore the BASIC UNIT of American life, the intact family, everything else is just delaying the inevitable decline of our nation.
Occam's Tool| 12.7.11 @ 3:25PM
I'm sorry, but "pope-worshipping?" When did being Catholic become a problem with running for President again? I mean, I wouldn't want Jack or Clint running because they are a "proud 4-F" and a worthless scumbag unfit to be around children, respectively, but the fact that they follow the tenets of the Church of Rome is immaterial to their scuzziness. Nick, for example, is a good guy, and so is John II, etc.
Come on, gang. Keep the blows above the belt unless you are talking about the three cheek spreaders for jihadis that regularly opine on this site. (Jack, John789, and Clint).
MikeG| 12.7.11 @ 8:14PM
Maybe you should tell your pal Margie.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 9:45AM
Mike Huckabee won the IA Caucus, and then lost the GOP nomination to John McCain.
IA Caucus failed to determined the GOP nominee in several occasions. Winning IA caucus does not automatically guarantee the GOP nomination. We have to consider the gravity of large states like FL, TX, NC, GA, MI, OH, AZ.
The GOP field is volatile, and Rick Perry and Michelle Bachmann have still chances.
irish19| 12.7.11 @ 10:04PM
Absolutely. I think that if we don't let the media decide, this could go all the way to the convention.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 9:45AM
Mike Huckabee won the IA Caucus, and then lost the GOP nomination to John McCain.
IA Caucus failed to determined the GOP nominee in several occasions. Winning IA caucus does not automatically guarantee the GOP nomination. We have to consider the gravity of large states like FL, TX, NC, GA, MI, OH, AZ.
The GOP field is volatile, and Rick Perry and Michelle Bachmann have still chances.
irish19| 12.7.11 @ 10:14PM
Double post. You must feel very strongly about this. /snark off.
senecasd| 12.7.11 @ 10:09AM
Both Romney and Gingrich believe in big government, and while preferable by a country mile to Obama, I don't trust either. I love Rick Perry, but he had his chance and wasn't ready. Shame on him. Cain flamed out because of personal issues, and a failure to think policy through. Bachmann was unable to capitalize on her moment in the sun. Perry and Bachmann are preferable to Gingrich who is prefable to Romney, but both are yesterday's news.
Santorum is a consistent prolife conservative. He is dependable. The 2 knocks against him are that he supported Santorum (trying to be a good Republican instead of a good conservative-an error but it pales next to the shortcomings in that area of Romney and Gingrich) and his loss to Robert Casey in Pennsylvania. Three thoughts on that:
1. Casey presented as a prolife Democrat, the son of a revered prolife figure.
2. He defeated a respected incoumbent (Harris Wofford) in 1994 when he was first elected to the Senate.
3. In winning re-election in 2000, he ran 6 points ahead of George Bush, who lost Pennsylvania.
Santorum is a solid conservative. He has the best chance of winning Pennsylvania, and if Obama loses there, he is well on the way to being toast. He has foreign policy experience, is a fiscal conservative, and is not just pro life, but is a pro life advocate. He is not perfect, but he deserves strong consideration. I would vote for him in a heartbeat.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 10:53AM
In the point of view of electoral gain, I would consider Rick Santorum as VP nominee under Rick Perry as the President.
The fact of matter is that GOP must win PA in order to win back the WH, and Rick Santorum in the GOP ticket for 2012, will make it plausible.
senecasd| 12.7.11 @ 10:13AM
Should read that "he supported Specter", and I even proofread the dang thing.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 11:56AM
That's Rick Santorum's problem.
Dai Alanye | 12.7.11 @ 12:36PM
And Rick Perry's problem, unfortunately, is he simply doesn't seem to be the intellectual equal of the other candidates, an impression he solidifies with each debate. Sad, perhaps, but true.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 1:45PM
Yet, Rick Perry was elected 3 times as governor of TX because he is articulate and authentic.
Mike Hawk| 12.7.11 @ 6:11PM
Specter was the Senior Senator and running for re-election with the support of the State Committee. What was Rick Santorum supposed to do?? BTW, Specter showed his gratitude by stabbing Rick in the back in '06 when Rick was running for re-election.
Wayne| 12.7.11 @ 1:28PM
If you are not from Pennsylvania don't comment on Rick Santorum's loss. Bob Casey's father was a well loved Political giant in PA> Several years ago someknown inexperienced person from western PA won a statewide election because his name was Bob Casey. The current idiot in the Senate won for the same reason. In order for a Republican to win in PA he/she must receive the votes of conservative Democrats in Northeastern Pennsylvania. No way anyone was going to get those votes with a Bob Casey running. My question for all of you on here is this: Who will be left when all you cannibals finish eating? my quess is Obama
Mike Hawk| 12.7.11 @ 6:15PM
There was a Bob Casey cult that year. I recall there were three other Bob Caseys running for offices as well. I don't rememberif any were successful. The current Bob (with one 'o') Casey is a pale immitation of his father without whose name he'd have to find a real job for once in his mediocre life.
David T| 12.7.11 @ 2:19PM
I think Rick Santorum would be a great selection for No. 2 on the GOP ticket. He's smart, serious, steady--everything Biden isn't. And don't forget PA has 21 electoral votes. Let's see how he does in Iowa and beyond.
Occam's Tool| 12.7.11 @ 3:26PM
I'd be happy with a President Santorum. Actually, all except Paul are reasonable guys.
Rhoetus | 12.7.11 @ 4:57PM
The system is so corrupt that we need an "unreasonable" reformer to re-establish the limited government under our constitution.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 5:09PM
This is not a Russian Roulette, the 2012 Presidential election will change the course of America forever depending on the outcome. Rick Santorum as the GOP Presidential candidate will make Obama a shoe-in president.
How about Rick Perry being the GOP Presidential candidate?
Makes more sense.
Silver Bullet| 12.7.11 @ 5:38PM
Please explain your reasoning!
Actually, all the negative talk about all our candidates could prove to be self-fulfilling prophecy. Let's not keep doing this to each other!!
bill| 12.7.11 @ 5:48PM
Rick Santorum has no plan on fiscal policy.
He lost his senate bid in 2006, the very same year, Rick Perry got elected as governor of TX for the second time.
Santorum supported Arlene Spector, a political junkie, over Pat Toomey, a solid conservative.
Santorum voted for the Medicare part D, and has no explanation.
Santorum is an aggressive debater, not a good campaigner.
He may win the IA caucus, like Mike Huckabee, then evaporates.
Santorum will make a good VP candidate, since GOP must win PA.
Mike Hawk| 12.7.11 @ 6:17PM
Just for your own edification Rick was solidly behind Pat Toomey last year when Pat won.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 7:04PM
It's too late for Mr. Santorum.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 5:50PM
I PROPOSE:
PRESIDENT: RICK PERRY
VP: RICK SANTORUM
Any one agree with me?
Robroberts| 12.7.11 @ 6:37PM
Bill -- you are smoking crack. Call me after the election, loser.
bill| 12.7.11 @ 7:03PM
Who the hell are you, Robroberts?
Robroberts| 12.7.11 @ 9:42PM
Nice Bill, I love the a"hell" in your reply ... You must be a Big Man. Good luck in the election, and life.
POST American| 12.7.11 @ 10:26PM
---Putting this irrelevant '90's Show'
side op to one side---
JUST IN
"GOV'T ACTIVATING FEMA CAMPS
NATIONWIDE"
-Infowars
(hours ago)
--------------HUAC/ NUREMBERG 2012-------------
------------------Time to make it REAL-----------------