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The Spectacle Blog
Obviously, I’m a fan of Rick Santorum, plus I have professional pride in having written 20 months ago that Santorum would be the man to watch (based not on my preferences, but my political analysis) — so obviously, I have a bias in favor of seeing good things for his campaign. That said, I do think it’s significant that Santorum now is beginning to earn endorsements from people outisde his regional base. Today it’s U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, a solid conservative from my neck of the woods, namely Alabama. Significantly, Aderholt isn’t known primarily as a social conservative, but just a conservative, period. In endorsing Santorum, Aderholt called the Pennsylvanian “a leader with proven front-line success standing for freedom, for fiscal integrity and against Washington corruption.”
It’s also significant when writers who have endorsed other candidates spend entire columns — and very well-written and well-reasoned columns at that — to explain why Santorum would be a pretty good choice as well. But that’s what professional blogger John Hawkins has done, and it’s well worth a read.
View all comments (55) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Quin Hillyer
http://spectator.org/blog/2012/02/24/santorum-keeps-gaining
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WL| 2.24.12 @ 9:48AM
If you have to explain who he is the endorsement doesn't really amount to much Mr. Quin Nostradamus-Hillyer...
I'm trying to support Santorum (it's either him or Newt for me)...but if he doesn't shake the "bible thumper" label that he is getting branded with...I am not so sure he can survive much longer. Do not misunderstand...I actually like his stance on things and Religious tendencies...It's just that there aren't that many of us left...It's a shame, but even most church goers will scoff at his wife saying "it's God's will" that Rick is doing well...Yeah, it's a shame...but it is how it is.
Now...tell us more of the things of the future...for instance....Is Romney really gonna pick Ron or Rand to run with him, if he gets the nomination?
Drek| 2.24.12 @ 11:35AM
I didn't know that trying to support Santorum would take as much mental effort as trying to get behind Romney..........
Both men make it real, REAL difficult to get up on their bandwagon, that's for sure.
Santorum's act of being more Catholic than the Pope is beginning to wear thin, and we're not at Super Tuesday yet.
But hey, I suppose we can all console ourselves at the thought that Santorum is a "good family man," because that's so important, that's the most important thing, that's key, that's crucial, we couldn't win without that, ------ if there's one thing that guarantees us success this year in the Fall, it's that Rick Santorum is a "good family man."
We're a shoe in, a sure thing, it's game, set and match, we just have to glide on in, no worries at all, because our guy is a man of faith, and a "good family man."
Occam's Tool| 2.24.12 @ 12:12PM
I had the absolute joy and pleasure of having Bob Aderholt as my Congressman for 7 years, from 1993-2000. He was simply FANTASTIC , and the best Representative I have ever had. His views were predictable as the Sun, and simply superb.
When I moved to Minnesota, I was initially represented by that contemptible dirtbag Oberstar, an arrogant embodiment of all that is wrong with American Liberalism. Despite my enjoyment of the area I live in, having that vermin as my rep was a constant running sore in my political psyche. Now my rep is the Aderholt-like Chip Cravaack, and once again all is smooth.
Aderholt doesn't pontificate for the cameras---he gets the job done. Superbly.
WL| 2.24.12 @ 12:18PM
I may very well agree about Aderholt...as a congressman
However, his endorsement does not equal "Santorum keeps Gaining"...in my opinion, Mr. Hillyer is trying to see more hope in it than is really there.
Rick Santorum| 2.24.12 @ 1:57PM
God willing, we will prevail, in peace and freedom from fear, and in true health, through the purity and essence of our natural... fluids. God bless you all.
mjs_pa| 2.24.12 @ 9:52AM
One thing nice about this election cycle: The faux conservative pundits have been exposed.
It will be interesting to see how they try to stray back into the fold once the romney campaign completely collapses.
Kudos to those who have stuck to their principles, to honesty, to integrity, and to fairness.....no matter which candidate they supported.
Simon Templar| 2.24.12 @ 10:01AM
Quin, now that is what I have been asking for a long time. Honesty about one's bias and intentions is the key. Pretending to be objective and hiding one's bias never works with those keen enough to see through it. Now, we are left to consider your opinion, agree with it, or not, and make up our mind.
Keep consulting with your better half. She is very perceptive.
DRed| 2.24.12 @ 10:09AM
http://www.citizensforethics.o.....ss-report/
Look at that track record of standing up to Washington corruption. If you want to vote for Rick because he's a committed social conservative, that's fine, but if you think he's going to clean up Washington you're delusional. Ask Rick how he got such a sweetheart loan for his house in Virginia.
Calvin| 2.24.12 @ 11:29AM
DRed is all about government corruption. He offers up the spectacle of Green (as in your tax dollars paying off the big O's friends) energy and wants to give advice. What an idiot.
DRed| 2.24.12 @ 11:36AM
Corruption is thoroughly bi-partisan. Anyone who thinks that it's only the other side who is corrupt is part of the problem. This is how you get someone as rotten as Santorum being touted as "standing up against Washington corruption". Rick Santorum got a mortgage from a bank that was a significant contributor to his campaign. He got terms that he didn't qualify for. Why do you think that was? Because the bank loved the way he stood up to Washington corruption?
Simon Templar| 2.24.12 @ 1:50PM
Dred is a liberal troll who has been out here for over a year spewing his liberal tripe and now he is out here to make sure Santorum does not gain traction because he and the liberals are sacred to death of Santorum and know that there is more possibility of his election than most realized. It has to be stopped. The idea is to sway independents and moderate republicans away from him torwards the very beatable Romney. Given todays michigan polls the morons independents and moderates have once again bought the tripe and the lies.
DRed| 2.24.12 @ 2:24PM
Your candidates are a sorry group. I'm not particularly scared of any of them. Did I lie about his loan deal, though? Running candidates like Santorum is no way to get any meaningful change.
Oldefarte| 2.24.12 @ 10:20AM
Respectfully, Santorum is not nor will he ever be the best candidate for the Republican Party to nominate; and therefore will be soundly defeated by the present Democrat president and his liberal supporters. This cannot get down to a religious war of politics, or the Republicans will suffer great and lasting harm from nominating such a candidate. The religious war is best faught outside of the halls of government, not within!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JJ| 2.24.12 @ 11:50AM
Perhaps he will lose, but we have 4 choices. Newt has high negatives. Ron Paul is on the fringe and Mitt Romney favors his own version of socialized medicine and would certainly lose to Obama since he can not excite the GOP base. So of the 4, I would prefer someone with some religious passion and integrity. I say this as a non-Christian myself.
Oldefarte| 2.24.12 @ 2:03PM
You have ever right and privilege to "someone with some religious passion and integrity", but that person, ie Santorum will LOSE to Obama [and conversely he will WIN]. As you say, "Newt has high negatives", but he also has the most intelligent political game plan to restore this nation's bankrupt-heading economy [he just announced a oil drilling and energy-dominated priortized plan that will provide needed jobs, seriously reduce our foreign oil dependency and provide $trillions in oil related governmental revenues to decrease our governent's defecit/debt. All the Rickster is talking about is G-d, abortion, birth control and religion [which will do absolutely nothing to solve the moajor issues of country]!!!!!!
Worried for the country| 2.24.12 @ 2:19PM
"favors socialized medicine"
Romney does no such thing. Every GOP candidate will repeal Romneycare. He is for pushing management of entitlements back to states where it should be.
Bill| 2.24.12 @ 10:38AM
Guess Who?
voted for
1. Raising the debt ceiling 5 times
2. Planned Parenthood
3. Medicare Part D
4. NCLB
5. Bridge to nowhere
voted against
1. "Right-to-Work" law
Ans: "Keystone big-government RINO" Rick Santorum
Drek| 2.24.12 @ 10:48AM
Well, it seems that Santorum got some bad news today. Seems he doesn't have the support of Dorothy Rabinowitz.
Windy City Commentary| 2.24.12 @ 11:20AM
Quin, I hate to tell you, but Rasmussen has Mitt +6 in MI and +13 in AZ. Also, your new friends at National Review have put out 2 hit pieces on Santorum this morning, including one called "Don't Pick Rick". Enjoy!
http://www.nationalreview.com/.....um-editors
http://www.nationalreview.com/.....ona-charen
Bill| 2.24.12 @ 11:29AM
I read both articles, and they are correct.
Windy City Commentary| 2.24.12 @ 11:39AM
Have your Romney. Enjoy him now while you can, because after early November, you'll never hear much about him ever again.
JJ| 2.24.12 @ 11:52AM
My guess is that this poll was taken before people realized that Romney continues to lie about RomneyCare. Yes he DID require Catholic hospitals to give out the abortion pill. At least he should be honest and say, he supports the pill and forcing religions to use it even against their own religious beliefs.
Windy City Commentary| 2.24.12 @ 12:00PM
Nobody will know about these lies because the establishment conservative media led by National Review won't cover them. Candidates have to pass the National Review white glove test. Apparently Mitt passed this test in 2008 so he is their guy. NRO already took down Newt, now they are taking down Santorum. The writing is on the wall, they've been for Mitt the whole time, but they are a tactical publication trying to fool everyone into thinking they are impartial, reasonable, and respectable. They simply masquerade.
Drek| 2.24.12 @ 12:08PM
He passed their test because he contributed to them,and got others to do the same. Be surprised how well that went over with KJL, et al.
Windy City Commentary| 2.24.12 @ 12:21PM
The funny thing is, K-Lo has been a frequent commentariat at Catholic Vote.com
That site has wholeheartedly endorsed Santorum, and now K-Lo and her buddies at NRO are attacking him on religious grounds. Yep, that's what happens when an intellectual lightweight like K-Lo puts her hands into too many cookie jars. You can't serve two masters K-Lo.
Drek| 2.24.12 @ 9:53PM
For the life of me, I don't know how a lightweight like KJL got that job.
That chick is way, WAY over her head.
Drek| 2.24.12 @ 12:06PM
I don't know about that, he's awfully, or rather, "severely" "resolute."
Bill| 2.24.12 @ 6:47PM
Not much differences between Romney and Santorum: "Northeast big government liberal RINO."
WL| 2.24.12 @ 12:28PM
I knew it would happen all along, as many of you did as well.
N. Review, played that "we really like Rick" game back when they needed cover for smearing Newt. I knew that as soon as Newt was out of the way...they determine their support of Santorum based on how close he was to Romney...Now that Rick got close...they can't sit back and keep up the facade.
You should have seen this tendency in all of it's glory the other night with CNN's Ari Fleicher actually giving credit to Newt for doing well in the debate. Now, does anyone even THINK that he would have done that if Newt was polling well right now?? Hell no.
I am afraid that Newt or Rick have to drop out to beat the Romney/Paul alliance...and that really is the case...
Which one? I don't know...
My heart wants Rick to go on back to church and get out of the race...
But my mind wonders if the Newtster can stand the withering assault, considering that accusations about him come from everywhere and have left some bad scars..
Windy City Commentary| 2.24.12 @ 12:57PM
I've been pro-Newt since the fall of Herman Cain. Overall, if Romney had run a more positive campaign and if rags like NRO had attempted to persuade readers to support Romney because of his qualities instead of destroying the competition I would have a more favorable outlook on him.
Now, it is clear that Romney has been aided by a tactical Republican press, which walks a tight rope between alienating their readers and ensuring that Romney gets the nomination. They are so convince that only Romney can win that if he doesn't win there will be thick silver lining in that we can begin purging the establishment media. If Romney does lose, I hope that the GOP barely keeps the House and owns about 48-49 Senate seats. This way, we can point out that the establishment Republican media forced a candidate on us that lost and caused the GOP to lose many House seats and remain in the minority in the Senate.
The nation will be worse off, but we will have tried to fight liberalism with conservativism but NRO just wouldn't allow that to happen. They took down Newt and they now take down Santorum. No more cruises for you. The boycott of NRO should now begin.
Worried for the country| 2.24.12 @ 2:13PM
"clear that Romney has been aided by a tactical Republican press"
There really is no evidence of that claim. Maybe NRO with a tepid endorsement of Romney and Ann Coulter and J. Rubin. Bill Kristol and many others have been strongly critical of Romney. Instead of ABO it has been ABR. Also, the MSM has been strongly against Romney. One of the media watchdog groups measured the percentage of negative stories about Romney and it was 78%. Also, don't discount the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham sowing the seeds of distrust against Romney daily. I will also say that Fox News and the WSJ has an anti-Romney bias. We now know why when we saw Rupert tweet that he was rooting for Santorum.
I will confess I am a strong Romney supporter. I believe he has the turn around skills to shrink government and balance the budget like no other candidate. I also believe he has the best chance to beat Obama. After all, he as weathered the storm leveled against him by all the challengers, the right media, the MSM, and Axelrod's minions. Once the party unites behind him; he will be fine. Even the leftists that support Obama believe he is an incompetent leader. Romney has the leadership success to contrast with Obama's failures.
Windy City Commentary| 2.24.12 @ 9:27PM
"I believe he has the turn around skills to shrink government and balance the budget like no other candidate."
In reality, he grew government in Massachusetts; that is a fact. He turned around some companies, so what? He also shrunk some companies. This isn't about some special skill. The guy running who actually did shrink govt. a bit and turn things around is Newt Gingrich. But all I hear anymore about him is that he was married a few times; and this is the one social issue that seems to matter to Romney supporters and hand wringing GOP media; that Newt has been divorced a few times. Can't talk about abortion, contraception, etc., etc., but throw in the existence of hurt feelings and character flaws of divorce and all eyes are on it.
Worried for the country| 2.24.12 @ 9:45PM
Newt has vast political skills and a deep resume.
Personally, I have concerns about Newt's ability to be an effective President. His one time in leadership, as speaker, he endured a coup by conservative members who didn't like that he was abandoning the contract with america. Dr. Tom Coburn said his leadership was 'unsteady' and he could never support him for President. Even, Santorum, who says Newt was his mentor, said Newt's leadership was chaotic.
Newt's skills don't match up with President. However, I would love to see him in a Romney administration. Just like Lincoln's team of rivals.
I don't think Newt's personal baggage has hurt at all in the primary. It helped in SC when he used it to attack the media and rally support. Newt was hurt by the Nancy Pelosi couch business and the K street work for Freddie and big pharma. He was also hurt by throwing Paul Ryan under the bus last spring. Also, he has the temperament problem. He sunk in the polls once he went on a vendetta. Angry Newt is unelectable.
Rick Santorum| 2.24.12 @ 10:23PM
Luckily I... I was able to interpret these feelings correctly. Loss of essence.
R. Dittmar| 2.24.12 @ 11:34AM
I'm having a hard time believing this too, Quin. Your friend - the preternaturally unbiased, sagacious, not-at-all-in-the-tank-for-Romney Jennifer Rubin - has told us no fewer than 11 times in the last week that Santorum ain't the man:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/.....15334.html
Proud Mormon| 2.24.12 @ 12:18PM
Ricky will be gone politically after Super Tuesday. Romney sweeps next Tuesday and rolls through March 7. Santorum's catholicism skirt is showing and non-catholics reject him and his strange mixture of politics and religion.
Windy City Commentary| 2.24.12 @ 12:24PM
I can't wait until Obama gives America one teachable moment after another about the Mormon religion. Catholicism has been around a lot longer than Mormonism and will still be around when the Mormon faith dies out. We've been nice in not excoriating Mitt for his faith, but if you guys are going to start with the Catholic bashing, we got payback. Mitt and Republican party are going to go over the cliff together this November.
WL| 2.24.12 @ 12:39PM
You think that his "catholocism skirt is showing" huh???
Wait to see what's going to happen if Mitt gets the nomination...just wait.
I will hate it, and will be in the trenches with you, because I like alot about you folks, and stand with any Christian church that is under fire...
But if "Santorum's catholicism skirt is showing"...
You can bet Mitt's "Mormon skirt" is gonna get ripped off and he'll be beaten with it.
WL| 2.24.12 @ 12:41PM
You probably need to change your name to Naive Mormon dude....cause you ain't got a clue.
Drek| 2.24.12 @ 12:52PM
WL,
more like strung up with it.
WL| 2.24.12 @ 2:09PM
HA!!!
Bill| 2.24.12 @ 12:32PM
Santorum and Romney have some common: "Northeast big government RINO." I'm praying for Gingrich.
spike59| 2.27.12 @ 6:07AM
ObaMao would like to thank you for the support; Newtie would lose BIG-TIME
Drek| 2.24.12 @ 12:32PM
Note in the endorsement of Santorum, there's NADA about Santorum actually having ever run anything in his entire existence.
Just a small oversight I'm sure......
I'm sure that there's loads of real world executive experience that Santorum possesses, and for some reason or other, we just haven't heard about it.
But what's that compared to him being "the good family man?"
Trinacria| 2.24.12 @ 12:45PM
Aderholt endorsed?!!!! Goddamnit, it's all over then; let's just skip the election and declare Santorum the victor. Unless Romney can pull a rabbit out of his hat and get the endorsement of Carot Top, I just don't see a way forward now...
Garfield| 2.24.12 @ 12:52PM
How about we just make the ticket Gingrich/Santorum and have Gingrich and Santorum tag team Romney and Paul like they are currently tag teaming Santorum?
Drek| 2.24.12 @ 1:14PM
WOW!
A tag team cage match!
Casey Abell| 2.24.12 @ 1:50PM
"Obviously, I'm a fan of Rick Santorum..."
You're kidding. I would never have guessed.
Anyway, the title of your blog entry is unintentionally ironic, at least for next week's primaries. Romney has now taken the lead in Michigan (though it's still close) and is running away in Arizona. The RCP averages...
http://www.realclearpolitics.c.....-1589.html
http://www.realclearpolitics.c.....-1622.html
Simon Templar| 2.24.12 @ 2:02PM
Yes, may the best liar win! Praise the lie and negative smear ads!
Casey Abell| 2.25.12 @ 4:37PM
Romney and Santorum are both running negative ads. It's politics. Deal with it.
Rick Santorum| 2.24.12 @ 1:54PM
Luckily I... I was able to interpret these feelings correctly. Loss of essence.
Stan| 2.24.12 @ 2:45PM
Santy is slipping big. Down six now in Michigan according to Rasmussen. Maybe the Dem crossovers can save him. Can't wait to vote for Mitt when it gets to New York.
Occam's Tool| 2.24.12 @ 3:07PM
Stan:
Just curious, as I will vote for Romney if nominated but do not have ENTHUSIASM for him. NOT being sarcastic---what is your reason for enthusiasm? I'd like to know, as it might be useful in convincing others if he becomes the nominee.
Oldefarte| 2.24.12 @ 3:59PM
THIS is why Newt Gingrich should be [1] the Republican nominee and [2] the next president of the US:
http://youtu.be/vOImnCrKPZ8
spike59| 2.27.12 @ 6:08AM
Newtie is nothing more than a shorter, fatter, Bill Clinton