The American Spectator

Stark differences may have divided Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum during the acrimonious GOP primary campaign, but last week the ex-governor and former senator came together to celebrate a title they both share: Dad.

Near the end of the three-day Faith and Freedom Conference on Saturday, with Father’s Day on the horizon, the pair addressed attendees gathered from across the country about the importance of family.

Romney was introduced by his son Josh, who told the crowd that “my Dad is my hero” to thunderous applause. Still on the campaign trail, Romney addressed his supporters, many of whom held “Believe in America” signs, via video, asking them to “reconsider the anchors which keep America strong and safe in times of turbulence.”. Evoking Santorum’s social conservatism, Romney spoke strongly for fathers as “the anchor of family.”

“I appreciate the sacrifice of my Mom and Dad. I am warmed and touched by the efforts of my sons,” Romney said. “I love all the members of the family.”

Speaking after the presumptive GOP nominee, Santorum told the crowd that “Governor Romney is right on.”

“His message is sound — it’s solid.” he said. “I’m seeing him stand by the convictions he had during the primaries.”

In typical Santorum fashion, the former Senator of Pennsylvania focused his speech on social issues, particularly denouncing the current cultural climate.

“We don’t value families in our culture; we promote a sexual lifestyle, disconnected as a family, rejection of traditional values, and then we wonder why families don’t get together,” he lamented. “We wonder why Mom and Dad don’t get married or stay married.”

At the same time, Santorum pointed out that “we will never have limited government with the family continuing to disintegrate,” and that “one of the reasons government is so big is because it’s picking up the pieces of broken homes or homes that have not formed.”