E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
LAKEWOOD, CO -- Rick Santorum is fighting to portray himself as the top conservative alternative to Mitt Romney, a message he'll take to voters in a series of forthcoming caucuses.
At Colorado Christian University on Wednesday, the presidential hopeful said Newt Gingrich has had more success courting voters in early primary states because of an incorrect notion that the former House speaker is in a better position to challenge Mitt Romney. But, Santorum charged, Gingrich's inability to capitalize on a decisive South Carolina primary victory in Florida shows he does not have the support to challenge the former Massachusetts governor.
"In Florida, Newt Gingrich had his opportunity," Santorum said in Las Vegas on Tuesday as Sunshine State returns showed Gingrich finishing second. "He came out of the state of South Carolina, he came out with a big win and a lot of money, and he said 'I'm going to be the conservative alternative. I'm going to be the anti-Mitt.' And it didn't work. He became the issue."
The former Pennsylvania senator is taking a renewed focus on Gingrich after losing to his rival in the two most recent primary contests. But Santorum faces a tough balancing act between steering clear of the personal attacks candidates have leveled against each other, while drawing contrasts with his GOP foes. One of Gingrich's chief liabilities among conservatives are the ethics charges leveled against him as speaker and his rocky marital history.
Newly-released television and radio ads take aim at Gingrich, in both cases questioning his conservative credentials. Still, Santorum claims to still be remaining above the fray by focusing on issues, not personal matters.
"What I talked about is policy, I didn't attack the speaker for working for a company or, you know, things that he did in his past in his life.
I went out and focused on the policy differences between Speaker Gingrich and me," he said. "I think that's fair game."
But it was just a day earlier when the GOP hopeful, working to remain relevant in the nominating contest, said Florida's results prove Republicans need to have a candidate without "personal baggage."
Now Santorum is tasked with convincing the electorate that he can effectively take on Romney, after losing to Gingrich by substantial margins. His focus now turns to Colorado, Nevada, and Minnesota -- caucus states where he has the opportunity to pick up delegates without having to win outright.
"If Newt's out of the race, all of his votes come to me," Santorum said. "They aren't voting for Newt not because he's the best candidate, it's because they think he can win."
And despite the tough path ahead, the candidate said he has no plans of quitting.
"This race is just beginning. Only four states have spoken. There are 46 others," he said.
Leave a Comment:
Who?
Is Santorum still in the race?
I'm sure he'll manage to surge from behind, one of these days...
He already surged from a behind in Iowa, didn't he?
Isn't Santorum considered by some Republicans to be the dumbest guy to ever serve in Congress?
Santorum........still possible if Newt goes to the moon and happens not to make it back on time, who knows, Sarah might approve of him.
Thank God we have an alternative to the Teapublican party! Teapublicans all stand on the same platform, built for them by rich right wing nut job sugar daddies!
Predicting a Santorum campaign suspension on February 7th after he comes in 3rd or 4th in Nevada, Maine, Colorado and Minnesota. At that point it will be 7 states in a row that he placed 3rd or 4th.
Greg,
Probably more like middle of February, it depends on how many electors Romney has at that point. I don't know if Santy really understands that he is being used by the Republican establishment to help Mitts win. If he does then he is taking one for the team.
February 7th would be mid February. There are only 2 other primaries and a caucus during February. Guam on February 18th and Arizona and Michigan on February 28th. I don't see Guam being something to stick around for.
If Santorum sticks around after February 7th then he is trying to be a spoiler for Romney.
I'm pretty sure Ricky knows his role in this race. He will get money to continue his race from Romney supporters. Ricky is the spoiler.
Greg and Egilman - I'm thinking at least one candidate will stay in on the bet that Mitt Romney will make a massive, game ending mistake within the next month.
Given his history of gaffes, and his tax situation, I don't think that is a bad bet.
What will he do when the weather gets better and he can't wear the vest?
Seriously---Santorum can't take the place of Gingrich with the conservatives---he doesn't do self-righteous anger the same way that Newt does and that is what the base is looking for.
nisl - Romney is already a massive gaffe. The 2 focal points of discussion in this election will be:
1 A do nothing congress.
2 Romney's 1% problem.
My bet is, Santy is positioning himself for next run in 4yrs.
he doesn't do self-righteous anger the same way that Newt does and that is what the base is looking for.
Not only that, but nothing he has done points towards his being able to out debate Obama.
Pen 24 - Yep. This election will be about Romney. It shouldn't be, but the popular anger towards America's wealth gap makes it inevitable.
Now that's funny! Good one Feisty.
This is good news. Exist polls in SC showed that people who voted for Santorum cared about good character. That means these voters are not likely to get behind Gingrich even if Santorum endorsed him. With Santorum positioning himself against Romney, where will his voters and delegates go in the end? Like Ron Paul supporters, they will probably vote for President Obama or stay home.
VP suck ups like Pawlenty are another interesting show. As already noted, Romney has helped pay down Pawlenty's campaign debt. But it's doubtful he'd choose Pawlenty for VP -- doesn't bring anything to the table. The same thing goes for Christie, Daniels, etc. Gingrich doesn't seem possible for many reasons including negative approval numbers. Romney needs someone from the south like Barbour, or Rubio who would also help with the Latino vote, but it doesn't look like Rubio would be interested. What he really needs is Crist, and that ain't likely to happen.
It's a good thing Fiesty has plenty of popcorn.
With all the love they've been showing each other lately, can you say Romney/Paul 2012 ?
Not unless Mitts has a real change of heart on how to cut givernment without blowing up the world......
Isn't Santorum one of those lucky fellas not on the ballot in Virginia either?
That's right phine,
He's not in Virginia, and a couple of others also from what I've heard.
Good Afternoon Egilman,
So, maybe these caucas states are his last hoorah? And where is he getting the money for this?
I'm so bored with this soap opera.
$1.8 million from Jon Huntsman Sr.
The only two on the VA ballot are Romney and Ron Paul; at least that's what I heard. Should make for an interesting primary.
Amy,
I am with you on the bored. I have been busy reading all different types of articles NOT connected with politics. For example, I loved the story about a lost Indian tribe in Peru that is now coming down to the river to stare at tourists (Amazon River). They have even been shooting at some with bows and arrows. Come to think of it, it does remind one of the GOP race.
TOG,
I cannot think of any mythological analogy to use in regards to Santorum - unless it is a tragedy!
phine ... just picture the gods on Olympus looking down on the world. Now picture the National Bedroom Police peeking in your windows.
Off topic
Any opinions on this holy war over Obama's health care law?
Holy war over health care law? Obama angers Catholic leaders
Catholics are fired up over new rules implementing Obama's health care reform law forcing Catholic universities, hospitals, and charities to provide insurance for their employees covering contraception — even though that violates church teachings.
TOG,
Eek!!!!!!!!!
thetotas,
This one bugs me. On one hand we don't want religion in our government, but we don't want government in our religion, which in a way is what is happening. I really don't have a good feeling about this. It is sort of a lose/lose for everyone.
If Catholics follow their teachings the Church will have nothing to worry about concerning contraceptives. They have other internal matters on their plate at this time that need their urgent attention.
Very simple solution for the Catholics, they can just decide to pay the fine. That way they are not violating their "principals."..... I just figured out why Priests have been molesting little boys, that way they can have sex without needing to use condoms and no pregnancy worry.... that's it!!!!
dirp,
I am Catholic. Your comment is offensive to me.
Wayne,
I agree and disagree. I agree that Catholics can just continue with their teachings. It is just the government telling a church - any church - how it has to operate leaves me with a funny feeling. Just kind of that "ah, not real sure this is the best way to go guys" type of feeling.
phine ... that really is a conundrum. Oh, and it doesn't matter what religion you are (or aren't), dirp's comment was just plain offensive and has no place on here.
This is very confusing. What about separation of church and state?
The rule doesn't apply to houses of worship, but does apply to church-affiliated hospitals, colleges, and social service agencies.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof-
dirp101,
Not cool!
I see what you are saying Phinephancy, but where would this end? It is a fine point. Some churches don't believe in any medical treatment at all, and think all should be left in God's hands. Would that mean that the government should get out of the health care business all together in deference to one sect? By the way, for many years I too was a Catholic. I have gone JV Catholic.
I believe neither Gingrich or Santorum are on the ballot in Virginia and Missouri.
Phine,
There is no easy answer here, is there? I hope my post didn't upset you.
Wayne,
No it didn't upset me. Just stopped for dinner. Mr. phinephancy cooked!!!! (Got any alka seltzer?)
just pepto. Thank God my wife is cooking tonight!
Wayne,
I normally do all the cooking, but the hubby wanted to do something nice............
When my wife cooks she wants to do something nice for both of us. When I cook, it's, "Pass the Rollaids please! "
It's just not a one way street,
"Congress shall make no law concerning an establishment of religion" I think is the relevant phrase, or words to that effect.
Catholic institutions will have a choice, they do not have to shutter their institutions, but they will have to stop participation in the programs subject to givernment/takernment control if they wish to keep their independence.
Dirp,
Nobody will accuse me of being catholic, but your sentiment is abhorrent for a civilized human of any religious persuasion. I do believe that even supporters of GLSEN will take offense with you on this one.
Keep "casting" Rick, sooner or later you're bound to catch a fish or maybe an old boot.
No, Rick. When the Newtster bites the dust, the GOP will reluctantly accept Mitt as their champion. I say 'reluctantly' because they don't really want him either.
And they aren't voting for YOU because they KNOW you can't win! Go home, Rick! Your sick child needs you but the rest of us don't.
kaybeetoys,
Not hardly, If Newt cannot make it past super tuesday, most are thinking that the establishment support he has will go to Santy and the Tea Partiers will go to Dr Paul...
Newts not out of the race. I just saw him and "BIG BIRD" standing next to him on tv .
Are you saying the Republican establishment will support Santorum over Romney?
Not in my neck of Penn's Woods.
No, but the religious nuts will.
I will assume that was just an unfortunate word choice there and you were not referencing the *other* meaning of the word "santorum", Feisty... ;)
Oh NO, KB!
I went there... ;o)
Keep the pot stirred there Rick ol' boy. I believe you'll bow out before March and then it will be down to Flip Flop Mitt, Nasty Newt and Crazy Old Doc. Paul.
I like Santorum but NO executive experience. NO leadership experience. We have that now and see where it has gotten us.
Yeah...2000-2008 sucked.
Just because you've been in the "Executive" seat doesn't make you one, nor simply because you have never been in the "Executive" seat make you not able to be one.
There are some things about each of the candidates which I like and/or dislike. Santorum however, with his religious theocracy approach to as to what his presidency would be like rates a strong "dislike". I enjoy living in a secular nation with the right to choose which god, if any, to worship. I do not want a Constitution based on someones interpretation of his preferred holy book. I enjoy not having to worry about the National Bedroom Police popping in. I do not want to see my gay friends being vilified with "man on dog" comments. I believe that a woman's body is just that, her body that she has control over.
I agree with your viewpoint, Tired Old Guy. Will you be ready to throw your hat into the ring in 2016?
Nah, I was once told by one of my training classes that I should wear a hat because the glare from my bald head made it difficult to read their computer screens.
Uh, yeah...45 for you. You're not on the Virginia ballot either!
Newts not out of the race. I just saw him and "BIG BIRD" standing next to him on tv .
I also recall Jon Huntsman declaring that he was the "real conservative" in the race at one time. That didn't exactly land him more support.
Anbody except Socialist Obama. Please take a look at Greece, Spain, Italy, France. This is where Obama policy will lead us. 20% unemployment, riots, universal poverty. When the one percenters are destroyed there is no one left to invest and create jobs and we all become dependent on the government. The 1% is the only thing standing in the way of you become a slave to some bureaucrat who decides whether or not to give you your monthly allowance.
Please look up the definition of "Socialism". Obama is a moderate, not a socialist.
We should all be able to invest in our economy, not just the billionaires.
The 1% create jobs, all right--for Chinese sweatshop workers.
Americans are now slaves to plutocrats.
Sorry you moonbats are bored with the GOP race. Ran out of lame jokes?
Here is something to chew on, which you wont see at Obama loving MSNBC:
Gallup released their annual state-by-state presidential approval numbers yesterday, and the results should have 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue very worried. If President Obama carries only those states where he had a net positive approval rating in 2011 (e.g. Michigan where he is up 48 percent to 44 percent), Obama would lose the 2012 election to the Republican nominee 323 electoral votes to 215.
Gallup adds:
Is this really the best the republicans can do? These clowns are incredible. Bush handed Obama a plateful of problems and these guys think they have the answers? I can't wait for the Republican/Democratic debates. Good luck to Larry, Curly or Moe (whoever gets the nomination)
Rick Santorum, P.Obama and Romney are not natural born citizens of America and have no right being or running for President.
Romney is the same book as Obama with a different cover. Their policies mirror each other. In public they appear to be against each other but in private they are laughing at us and planning for the New World Order.
In the NWO we the people will lose all of rights of freedom as citizens and become subjects (SLAVES) in the New World Order. The globalist of the NWO also want to exterminate 6 billion 500 million people of the 7 billion people living on Earth today.
Rick Santorum, If you are going to lead us into the promise land than you should shed some light on these subjects.
The Patriot Act, The National Defense Authorization Act, The Enemy Expatriation Act, The Government Consolidation Act, The Consumer Financial Protection (Confiscation) Bureau are all nails in the coffin of our rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and our Constitution, our Bill of Rights and our Declaration of Independence.
Call or write your Representatives and express your concern in regards to these Acts that are a threat to our life, our liberty and our pursuit of happiness.