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BEDFORD, NH -- As Rick Santorum is surging toward a strong finish in Iowa, his campaign believes he is well positioned for a better-than-expected performance in the next contest: the New Hampshire primary.
"We are ready," Santorum state director Nick Pappas told NBC News. "We are not going to be behind the eight ball on this one. It's just a matter of time, we are definitely prepared for what is coming."
Even before he began to rise in the Iowa polls, Santorum was bullish on his chances in the Granite State, where he plans to campaign immediately after the Jan. 3 caucuses. "I guess I feel very confident we are going to do well here, but we're just taking it a day at a time and working hard at it," he told NBC News in Merrimack, back in early December.
Santorum's strategy here is nearly identical to his Iowa ground game: old school retail politics that is all about frequency. His events, like in Iowa, often only garner a handful voters each (and sometimes just this NBC News reporter). But Santorum has built an organization that his campaign thinks will be able to wage a noble fight in the final days ahead of the first-in-the-nation primary.
For starters, Santorum's national campaign director, Mike Biundo, is a New Hampshire political expert who has been involved in local politics for the better part of 20 years. He has directed successful mayoral and congressional campaigns for Rep. Frank Guinta (R-NH). Chosen early on to head up Santorum's New Hampshire political action committee, Biundo is also no stranger to presidential campaigns; he worked for Tommy Thompson in 2000 and helped drive Pat Buchanan to a New Hampshire primary victory in 1996.
In October, when Biundo was elevated to national political director and then national campaign manager, it was clear New Hampshire would remain a key state for the shoe-string campaign, and Biundo would help Santorum learn from others' mistakes.
"We talked about what happened with Huckabee in New Hampshire in 2008," Biundo told NBC News, recalling his first conversation with Santorum in December of 2010. "Huckabee was up coming into New Hampshire but without spending a lot of time or groundwork here. So we knew, to bring momentum to South Carolina, we had to put together a very good organization in New Hampshire early -- so if Iowa did what we thought, we would come into New Hampshire with something work with."
"New Hampshire strategy starts with hard work and it can't happen in a week," Biundo added.
The efforts has produced six-person staff that looks very much like the "little engine that could" that Santorum often refers to in Iowa. A small army of faithful volunteers manage daily responsibilities and have put out more campaign road-side signs than any campaign except Mitt Romney. If signs indicated campaign strength, Santorum would place a close second. The navy blue signs dotted with a white eagle are in every corner of the state.
In addition, Santorum has a modest -- yet pronounced -- base of conservative support. Today, five more state representatives endorsed him, adding to a list that now totals 22. Despite his low polling, Santorum managed to snag rare state senator and county sheriff endorsements, the latter from the same county where Mitt Romney owns a vacation home.
Santorum also hopes to be on the air soon with television and radio ads. He has not aired any spots to date with little money to spare.
On the issues, Santorum's socially conservative credentials have been an unlikely advantage in a state whose Republicans are considered more moderate than those in Iowa. Conservative activists like Karen Testerman -- who previously served Michele Bachmann as a New Hampshire adviser -- have signed on because of his unabashed support of traditional family structures and anti-abortion rights position.
"Voters realize these issues are tied into their pocketbook," state director Pappas said. "Especially abortion, Planned Parenthood taking tax dollars, and broken families. Social issues are attached to the pocket book."
Lastly, Santorum has been a familiar face in New Hampshire, having campaigned in the state as much as Mitt Romney has, and being second only to Jon Huntsman (who nowadays doesn't campaign anywhere else). And when he's on the ground here, he draws attention to his northeast roots, saying that his home of Pennsylvania "looks a whole lot like Manchester and Nashua."
Pappas, the New Hampshire director, says they aim to lock down 70 to 80% of voters at every event, big or (mostly) small. And Santorum has no problem doing campaign stops with attendees counted on one hand. In the far reaches of north country, Santorum told NBC News he hopes the personal touch will be remembered when voters walk into the voting booth January 10.
Still, Santorum has an enormous uphill battle to do well in New Hampshire. In addition to receiving just single digits in the latest Suffolk/7News poll, the survey finds him with a net-negative image.
"They have the core of a very solid foundation here because they've worked hard over the past year. But ... the big challenge is his image ratings are poor. He is upside down in his favorability ratings, and probably over 80% of the state already has an opinion of him," explained Rich Killion, an unaffiliated political consultant who formerly supported Tim Pawlenty.
Killion expects to see a bump from Santorum's Iowa performance, but believes it's unlikely the candidate can pull off a miraculous victory. National campaign manager Biundo is realistic but hopeful.
"We just have to do better than people expect here, and I think we'll be able to do that," said Biundo.
As for Santorum himself, Biundo says the former two-term Pennsylvania senator believes in his on-the-ground model more than ever and refuses to be anything but positive in the face of an enormous Romney campaign that has largely dominated the state.
"When Iowa ended up lighting the fire, we knew there would be plenty of kindle in New Hampshire to build on the momentum," Biundo said.
Leave a Comment:
Go Ricky...
Go Ricky...
Give Willard a run for his $$$!
Good thing I have stocked up on the *popcorn*! It's going to come in handy! ;o)
ABR = Anyone But Romeny!!!
Well, Rick Santorum certainly has worked hard in Iowa. He comes across as a very likeable guy, until you start listening to his rather odd view points. But then all GOP contenders have that problem. They all had to reach out to the evangelical and hate wing part of their party. How will Willard manage to pull back all he has said in Iowa? He can't. It's all on the record now. He's against The Dream Act, when most of the country wants it to pass. Doesn't Willard have a family connection to Mexico? Geesh, he'll stab anyone in the back to win.
I guess after the TP gang came out of the woodwork, the far right wing of the party thought they had a shot. And now everybody is trying to please them by being extreme as possible. What's up with the "heartland" anyway?
And like I said earlier, even if Rick Santorum does well in Iowa, I don't think his victory will carry him over to other states and win there. It's just not going to happen.
Karl Rove has Willard's back. And Romney is happy to have him in his camp. He can't lose.
The LAST PERSON on this planet I would want in my camp is Rove.
this is science:
fetus (NOT A BABY, THEY ARE BORN…GOOGLE THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CHART) is a parasite because the classification of the biological relationship that is based on the behavior of one organism (the fetus) and how it relates to the woman's body:
as a zygote, it invaded the woman's uterus using its Trophoblast cells and hijacked her immune system by using Neurokinin B and using HCG—-so her body won't KILL it, and stole her nutrients to survive and causes her harm or potential DEATH!
"it is also possible for a symbiotic relationship to exist between two organisms of the same species."
-–Gale's Science of Everyday Things:
Symbiosis
"an animal or plant that lives in or on another (the host) from which it obtains nourishment. The host does not benefit from the association and is often harmed by it"
pregnancy causes women harm:
if a man can kill his tapeworm at anytime, so should a woman abort her unwanted human parasitic fetus at anytime, too.
if a man can kill his tapeworm at anytime, so should a woman abort her unwanted human parasitic fetus at anytime, too.
so i will kill any unwanted, parasitic life-form that needs my body to live---including your precious fetus; not your body carrying the unwanted fetus, not your problem nor your concern...period, get over it.
Hi Pat & Happy 2012!
You summed up my thoughts perfectly after I watched in on MTP yesterday!
When Santorum came out at the end and revealed he has NO idea what a covert operation is.
And the fact he wouldn't blink about air strikes against Iran, I realized he's as bat @!$%# crazy as the rest of the pack!
Indeed!
The turd blossom has spoken! ;o)
Happy 2012 to you as well Feisty.
Rick S. will be gone soon. So won't Bachmann. Not sure where Perry is money wise. Newt will probably go away quietly soon. He got a glimpse at what the GOP PAC money is out to do - destroy - without Romney making a sound. I think Newt probably wants out.
Just remember what Rove did to McCain in SC - accused McCain of fathering an illegitimate black child. Who happened to be his daughter through adoption btw.
But Rove will stop at nothing-hence, Romney will stop at nothing - to blame our President for all the really bad stuff the GOP did in 2000-2008.
This is what you get with Karl Rove.
I have noticed the newest 'buzz' word(s) for today is; 1 Billion Dollars!
As in, that's what President Obama is expected to raise for re-election.
The ironic part of this is, wasn't it the right wingers who gave us Citizens United which opened the flood gates to unlimited campaign cash?
NOW they want to whine about it?
Ala Newt Gingrich?
I don't care what it COSTS - for the sake of this country we MUST re-elect President!
PS: There is a special seat reserved in hell, for the likes of Karl Rove & Dick Cheney! ;o)
Pat,
Word is Perry is still pretty flush in the money department. I suspect he is going to be spending it during the southern swing of the primary.
gale routh
you are one weird sub-human. I'm sure you still cause your mother harm to this day. Another loser who thinks until an unborn child is birthed and drawing air there is the possibility it could still be a cat....or a shark.....being human is still a toss up.
Doug,
I never agree with you on anything. But she does seem to have some issues. I just put her on ignore.
The American working class wants to someone just like them to be elected president. Who is that guy?
Rick Santorum of course. He's smart, he talks from hi heart and above all, he's honest. Lets get it right this time, vote Rick Santorum.
The American working class wants someone just like them to be elected. That someone is Rick Santorum. He's smart, speaks from his heart and above all he's honest.
Lets get it right this time people. Vote Rick Santorum for President.
justice28
We will do just that after Pennsylvania reelects him to the senate. They just loved him so much in Pennsylvania they forget to vote for him the last time around.
@gale routh
I thought this was prosecutors gone wild until I read the facts of the case. Please tell me how you think a 36 week fetus can be aborted and the life of the mother can be at risk?
And I am pro-choice but this case sickens me.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2-doctors-accused-of-performing-late-term-abortions-in-md-arrested-and-charged-with-murder/2011/12/30/gIQAfhXOQP_story.html?tid=pm_national_pop
Alan,
Please don't encourage her. No snark, I think she may have some problems here.
True about hard work, and Iowa voting for someone like Huckabee.
ABR -- Because there is no way Romney (or Huntsman) can represent me and the majority of Americans just based on religion alone. As individual citizens or even lesser levels of office, I don't care about crazy beliefs (including Ron Paul), but as POTUS and leader of the free world, it matters.
Anywho, every time I read an article about Santorum it makes me laugh (not a hardy har har laugh, more like a tee hee hee laugh, if you know what I mean). But anyone who thinks abortion is more important than jobs needs to be left behind with the cow dung in Iowa.
Every time there is a thread on Santorum, (and I do wish FR would come up with another word other than surge all the time) my cat, Eleanor sits on my mouse. Wonder why? Only with Santorum. She sticks her nose up and flicks her tail at the other GOP candidates. (But purrs when she hears the President)
Your cat is a democrat!
Well, if this is any clue, my other cat is Franklin, aka Frankie, the fat boy.
Poor crazy delusional cat lady. Maybe it purrs because you rub it uncontrollably when you hear the Big O speak.
Hey,
I like cats. I have always had cats. My hubby likes cats. They are smarter than dogs and can take care of themselves when we go out of town (just make sure you have an extra litter box).
I won't argue the delusional part. Been watching way too much football today.
Cats are Democrats....whiny, entitled, arrogant.....and useless, expecting a permanent handout for doing nothing.
Dogs are Republicans , sincere, always willing to be trained to help their owner, and loyal to a fault.
I like cats. I have two. Jerry Garcia and Wallstreet (because he's a fat cat). Mine won't use a litter box. Insist on going outside.
Currently watching Georgia and MSU. Go Dawgs!
Holy Smokes!
I cannot believe I agree with you on something booby!
Trained being the key word in your comment! lol
YUP! Republican'ts are trained all right!
You could also substitute brain washed when it comes to the right wing nuts!
They continually vote against their own best interests!
Cats are smarter than dogs. And more independent, so when they show you love, you must have done something to deserve it.
LOL, silly cat.
(looking all around) Is Dennis here? Nope. Gators just beat the Buckeyes!
Oh, and I really don't think your pet reflects how you vote. If that is the case, what if your pet is a bird, iguana or turtle? Maybe you are into fish. Or how about a pot bellied pig?
Yay Gators! But that was expected. The SEC is awesome.
Pot bellied pigs can be very mean.
South Carolina is winning, too. SEC is rocking the house, today.
Doug, this thread is not about Newt.
Forrest,
You say these things so I have to keep cleaning up my monitor, right? LOL
True Forrest.
I got you.....Newt's a pig.
I can appreciate your attempt at humor.
But don't quit your day job.
3rd OT in progress.
Ha I might be the funniest bum in the park if I did.
this is science:
fetus (NOT A BABY, THEY ARE BORN…GOOGLE THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CHART) is a parasite because the classification of the biological relationship that is based on the behavior of one organism (the fetus) and how it relates to the woman's body:
as a zygote, it invaded the woman's uterus using its Trophoblast cells and hijacked her immune system by using Neurokinin B and using HCG—-so her body won't KILL it, and stole her nutrients to survive and causes her harm or potential DEATH!
wikipedia org/wiki/Trophoblast
wikipedia org/wiki/Immune_tolerance_in_pregnancy
wikipedia org/wiki/Human_chorionic_gonadotropin
"it is also possible for a symbiotic relationship to exist between two organisms of the same species."
answers com/topic/symbiosis —–Gale's Science of Everyday Things:
Symbiosis
"an animal or plant that lives in or on another (the host) from which it obtains nourishment. The host does not benefit from the association and is often harmed by it"
thefreedictionary com/parasite
pregnancy causes women harm: thelizlibrary org/liz/004
if a man can kill his tapeworm at anytime, so should a woman abort her unwanted human parasitic fetus at anytime, too.
so i will kill any unwanted, parasitic life-form that needs my body to live---including your precious fetus; not your body carrying the unwanted fetus, not your problem nor your concern...period, get over it.
this is the law:
ABORTION IS A CIVIL AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT SUPPORTED BY THE RIGHTS TO PRIVACY, THE EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE OF 14TH AMENDMENT, AND THE 13TH AMENDMENT.
no human has a right to life or any due process rights by the 14th amendment to use another human's body or body parts AGAINST their will, civil and constitutional rights: that's why you are not force to donate your kidney---the human fetus is no exception; this is protected by the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment which makes reproductive slavery unconstitutional.
consensual s*x =/= a legal, binding contract for an unwanted fetus to live and you can't force a woman to keeping her unwanted pregnancy against her will and legal rights, because that is reproductive slavery---which is unconstitutional by the 13th and 14th amendment.
the bible supported abortion, that was done by a priest, in god's name, in his holly temple!
the 1984 niv footnote of numbers 5:11-31 explained what "to thy thigh to rot, thy belly to swell" meant:
Numbers 5:21 Or causes you to have a miscarrying womb and barrenness” to CAUSE a miscarrying womb IS an abortion.
the judeo-christian god is a myth and historical evidence proves it.
3.3.3 Atheism: A History of God (Part 1)
Evid3nc3
Really? The "bible" supported abortion?
Have you bothered to read the chapter of Numbers you lay your claim to?
NIV? PPPPPFFFFFFFTTTTTTTT.
And I'm not religious.
Jon Huntsman is running to be President of New Hampshire, apparently, or maybe he's just practicing for 2016.
Santorum has no chance of winning New Hampshire, because Republicans in the Northeast tend to be well educated, and not dumb.
Iowa has done a great job of kicking the tires of all the candidates, and now the DNC has hours of tape of ridiculous things Romney has said there, including telling a retired firefighter, complaining about his reduced social security benefits, "if you want free stuff, go vote for the other guy."
Newt Gingrich has made as much money as he can on the trail, and will be gracefully bowing out to go count it, shortly.
Ron Paul will be denied the nomination by the Republican leadership, and a healthy write-in campaign, if not an actual Independent run, will ensue.
Barack Obama, 2012, I predict by a landslide.
Amy,
I keep thinking and saying Huntsman is running this time for the name recognition in 2016. At first I thought it was for VP, but, if Romney gets the nod, I can't see the GOP putting two Mormons on the ticket. That would be too much for the GOP base to take.
Gale:
Is there a point concealed in your screeds there somewhere,.......cause I totally missed it?
GOPisextinct,
I had to put her on ignore.
I personally want someone who speaks the truth and does not play dirty with downgrading remarks
directed toward their opponents.
I believe Rick Santorum is probably one of the most honest candidates out there.
We only have one chance to get it right this time. Vote Rick Santorum for President.
God Bless America
Planned Parenthood spends the vast bulk of its funds on Birth Control. This reduces down the number of abortions--far more than the teachings of Holy Mother Church--without the neglected or unaffordable children.
Peaked my curiosity. Since you know. Please elaborate.
Doug,
While I don't have numbers, I have real world knowledge. Most women I know that have lower incomes or high insurance deductables go to Planned Parenthood for all kinds of women health issues - especially for birth control. To be honest, I have yet to meet one that the goal is abortion.
I appreciate your response but that doesn't explain how "planned parenthood spends the vast bulk of its funds on birth control".
What is it? Pamphlets? Pills? Adoption services? Maybe gale routh knows?
BTW Ga-MSU is a nail biter! Going into OT.
Doug, I just appreciate your investigating for facts instead of blindly accepting talking points - a malady on all sides. If you invite all input and then decide in a manner I disagree with, I will, nevertheless, respect your position.
well "marv"
the "facts" of the matter is PP performed 330,000 abortions last year. Not a single one performed free. Charging for abortions and taxpayer money make up the bulk of their income. They actually spend little on birth control. Whatever that means. How could that be measured? Do they give out pills? NO! Pamphlets? Maybe.....but big whoop.
So.....uninformed asswipe........f*** off.
I knew the answer....my question was rhetorical in an effort to raise a question which other thinking people may consider.
That doesn't include your stupid ass.
Following the money trail i see The Heritage Foundation is helping out .. a certain someone ! And it not Rick !
WAY TO SUBCONSCIOUSLY ADMIT YOUR RACIST RICK!
liar! liar! santorum is a big liar!
Ever think about how much some ayatollah in Iran preaching "Sharia Law" is like Santorum preaching what we can and cannot do here?
Really ... Just what is the difference? Both justify what they're doing because "God told them." The tea partiers want their "freedoms" ... News Flash ... Putting people like Santorum in office is how you lose them.
Santorum? Oh geez...this pretender's whole Iowa campaign was based on fear. Keep the population terrified, tell 'em over and over again how the so-called jihadist (as Ricky likes to refer to them, who's them?) attacked us and will continue to attack us because we're free, prosperous and promote democracy. What a line of crap! Ricky's foreign policy is dangerous mainly due to the fact that he hasn't a clue to the reasons behind the attacks. NOT A CLUE!!! People you have to research to attain the facts! Please, please, please go to YouTube and type in the following names: Michael Scheuer, John Perkins, Philip Giraldi, Chalmers Johnson, Robert D. Steele and Ray McGovern - all ex CIA agents that tell exactly why the attacks occur...the psychopaths that run the government insist on meddling in the political, economical affairs of other countries, especially the middle east! Ron Paul is 100% correct! Santorum is dangerous lying fear/war monger and needs to be exposed, then sent home!!!