Rick Santorum Gaining Ground in Iowa

Rick Santorum is finally rising in the polls in Iowa. And Santorum gained a key evangelical Christian leader's endorsement Tuesday.

From The Christian Science Monitor

By Liz Marlantes

Republican presidential candidate, former Penn. Sen. Rick Santorum, speaks in Osceola, Iowa, Dec. 19, 2011.

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The headline out of the latest Rassmussen poll surveying Republican voters in Iowa is all about Newt Gingrich’s continuing slide. The poll shows Gingrich now in third place, with 17 percent, behind Mitt Romney (25 percent) and Ron Paul (20 percent).

But just as interesting to Decoder is the fact that the poll also shows former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum now in fourth place, with 10 percent (tied with the other Rick, Perry). That’s the best result for Santorum so far this cycle. In fact, it’s the first significant movement he’s had in any poll at all - and, needless to say, it’s coming at an opportune time.

The Family Leader's Unedited Endorsement of Senator Rick Santorum

An important and thoughtful endorsement by The Family Leader, an influential network of Iowa churches.  The Family Leader's endorsement propelled Governor Mike Huckabee to a win in the Iowa Caucuses four years ago.  We have no doubt that it will do the same for the consistent, experienced and principled conservative in the race this year -- Senator Rick Santorum.

Influential Iowa Network of Churches Endorses Rick Santorum

The Family Leader, an influential Iowa-based, pro-family network of churches that advances a Christian point of view "in the churches, in the legislature, in the media, in the courtroom, in the public square," today endorsed Senator Rick Santorum for the GOP nomination for President.

Two of Iowa's most prominent evangelical leaders, Bob Vander Plaats and Chuck Hurley, spoke on behalf of the organization.  Senator Santorum has recently signed a pledge authored by The Family Leader which states:

"Faithful monogamy is at the very heart of a designed and purposeful order — as conveyed by Jewish and Christian Scripture, by Classical Philosophers, by Natural Law, and by the American Founders — upon which our concepts of Creator-endowed human rights, racial justice and gender equality all depend."

Newt Gingrich has sought the organization's endorsement but has failed to sign their pledge.

Gingrich Collapses in Iowa as Ron Paul Surges to the Front

This portends what we expect will be a repudiation of the Republican establishment.  They tried to have their way by foisting Mitt Romney and then Rick Perry on grassroots Republicans.  When the establishment saw those two were too phony and dim witted to be taken seriously, they rallied around Newt Gingrich.  But he's a RINO'S RINO and all the endorsements and speeches at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library not only won't work this time around, they are political poison.  

The process will have worked and the TEA Party will have succeeded if, as we expect, the unexpected happens in Iowa.  We are hoping for a strong finish by Rick Santorum in Iowa and an even greater showing in South Carolina.  Whatever the outcome, we are looking forward to a Republican Party restored to the conservative grassroots.

The very wise Sir Winston Churchill said it best: "You can always count on Americans to do the right thing—after they’ve tried everything else."

From The Atlantic Wire

By Dashiell Bennett

A new poll from Public Policy Polling shows that Ron Paul has taken the lead in the Iowa caucus race, while Newt Gingrich's support is fading fast. A different Gallup poll shows Gringrich still holding the lead, but slipping, while The New York Times has Paul in the lead as well.

Only One

We blinked, and the America we knew had changed. Only one candidate can bring it back. Watch the video and join the fight at RickSantorum.com and contribute today.

Glenn Beck's Candidate

Des Moines Register Guest Columnist Endoreses Rick Santorum

"Santorum is the unifier our nation needs after Obama's divisiveness."

Iowa Republicans have a special opportunity, and responsibility, to choose the best candidate to represent our party on the national stage. As Iowa’s Republican national committeewoman and one of the leaders in the pro-life movement, I have taken this charge seriously and have worked to learn about each of the candidates running to be our next commander-in-chief.

Just as important as our need to defeat President Obama is our need to return our nation to its founding principles.

Santorum Accepts Offer To Participate In "Lincoln-Douglas" Style Debate

Friday evening during an appearance on Fox News Channel's "On the Record" with Greta Van Susteren, Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum accepted an offer to debate former House Speaker Newt Gingrich in a "Lincoln-Douglas" style debate in Iowa. The debate, organized by TheIowaRepublican.com, was organized after former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney refused to debate Gingrich in a Human Events/RedState debate in Washington, DC.

Further information is forthcoming following acceptance by Speaker Gingrich's campaign.

Senator Santorum said: "Newt's been campaigning on doing Lincoln-Douglas style debates and I think it's a great idea - Count me in. The voters deserve more than 60 second sound bites, they deserve substance and real solutions to the problems facing our nation. This will be a great opportunity for the people of Iowa to learn more about us, our records, and our vision for America. Newt and I have been friends for 20 years, so this will be fun. Game on."

Mike Biundo, Santorm Campaign, said: "Maybe Mitt Romney didn't have the courage to debate Newt Gingrich, but Rick Santorum does. Yes, Speaker Gingrich is an ideas politician, but that doesn't mean all his ideas are good - an individual mandate for health care, amnesty for illegal immigrants, and Wall Street bailouts align closely with Barack Obama. Senator Santorum is a conviction candidate who has a record of consistent conservative successes, and he will put that record and his vision for a brighter America up against anyone."

To learn more about former Senator Rick Santorum, please visit www.RickSantorum.com.

Palin Praises the "Consistent Conservative," Rick Santorum

“If voters start kind of shifting gears and deciding they want ideological consistency, then they are going to start paying attention to say, Rick Santorum, who has been consistent on being a hardliner against Iran to help protect Israel. He’s been consistent in wanting to protect the most vulnerable and the sanctity of life. He’s been consistent in saying we need to slash the federal income tax. People will start paying attention to some of these other messages from some of the other messengers, like Rick Santorum.”

 –Sarah Palin on Hannity - Fox News (Hannity, December 1, 2011)

Santorum Picks Up Powerful Former Bachmann Supporter in N.H.

From The Hill

By Cameron Joseph

A former top advisor for Michele Bachmann's New Hampshire campaign has endorsed Rick Santorum for president.

Karen Testerman, a social conservative leader in the state, is the founder of Cornerstone Policy Research. She was also a top Bachmann advisor in the state, but quit along with four others in late October, saying the national campaign was ignoring their state. On Wednesday, she sang Santorum's praises.

Upstate South Carolina Leader Endorses Rick Santorum

Richard Cash is a small business owner from Powdersville, South Carolina and edits the blog, Clear Notes.  In 2010, Richard ran for Congress in the 3rd district of South Carolina, finishing first in a field of six in the initial Republican primary. In a run-off for the Republican nomination, Richard was narrowly defeated by Jeff Duncan.

Richard and his wife of 25 years, Marcia, are blessed with 8 children. Richard graduated with honors from Furman University with a degree in Economics/Business Administration. He also holds a Master’s in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Richard Cash with wife Marcia and family

 Why I’m Supporting Rick Santorum

By Richard Cash

Like many of you, I have been following the Republican presidential primary race. I watched the first SC debate, the last SC debate, and portions of many debates in between. I am not a political junkie, but having run for Congress in 2010, I am more committed than ever to the future of our nation, and the role that politics and political leaders play in that.

And so, like many of you, I have been asking myself, “Which candidate should I support?” I find admirable qualities in all the candidates, so how do I decide among them? Well, there is an old adage that goes something like this; “In order to get the right answer, you must ask the right question.” I would like to share with you a few questions and answers that have greatly influenced my decision to support Rick Santorum.

About a month ago, I came out of a political meeting involving a different candidate, and as we were heading to our cars I remarked to a friend, “It’s too bad Jim DeMint is not in this race; I could easily support him and I believe he could win the nomination.” If you are a conservative in SC, you know what I’m talking about. It’s not that other candidates are bad, it’s just that we know and trust Sen. DeMint, and supporting him would be easy.

By the next day, I had begun thinking, “Since Sen. DeMint is not in the race, which candidate is the closest to him by comparison?” The answer seemed immediate and unequivocal, Sen. Santorum. Here is a person who has been a consistent conservative leader for many years, including 12 in the US Senate. Here is a person who understands how Washington works and how to get things done, but he has not been co-opted by Washington. Here is a person who is trustworthy, both in his personal and public life.

A second question also came to me along these lines; “If I had been elected and was serving in the US Congress, which candidate would I most like to have as my President, who could I see myself working well with?” Again, the answer was obvious, Rick Santorum. He is a clear thinker, he is articulate, he has good judgment, and he understands that the foundation of faith and family is essential to maintaining freedom. If I was serving in Congress, Rick Santorum is the candidate that I would have the highest level of comfort and confidence in.

Asking and answering those two questions influenced my decision a lot, but there was one other question to deal with, which you might be considering as well; “Can he win?” After a little research, I discovered that Rick Santorum has held events in all 99 counties in Iowa and is building a strong grass roots organization there. With six weeks to go until the Iowa vote, Santorum is ready for the stretch run, and if he does well in Iowa, the campaign dynamic will change overnight.

Many people will say, “All well and good, but Rick Santorum is very low in the national polls.” In reply I say that first, polls are a snap shot, not a predictor. Four years ago at this time, the polls had Romney leading Iowa, but Huckabee ended up winning it. Secondly, polls can change quickly. This year, several candidates have risen and fallen in the polls already, proving that most people have not yet locked in their commitment.

With six weeks to go until the Iowa vote, a lot can happen with the current poll leaders, meaning the race is still very much up in air. For those who are looking for a trustworthy consistent conservative, Rick Santorum is looking better all the time. I invite you to join us in the laying the groundwork for a successful SC campaign.

Senator Rick Santorum on Morning Joe

Senator Santorum on Morning Joe November 14th, 2011.

Glenn Beck: Rick Santorum "is the next George Washington"

. . . and we heartily agree.  The contempt, ridicule and dismissal of this good man by the Republican establishment and the mainstream media tells us all we need to know.

"I don't endorse candidates, I don't get involved in politics, I don't make donations to any politician. Rick Santorum is a friend of mine, but I choose my friends carefully and I would never tell you someone was a friend of mine if I didn't have great respect for them. I will tell you this. People ask me all the time, 'who is out there?' I tell them the same thing, I don't trust any of them, but if I had to trust the reins of power with one person that is currently in this field and, because I think the next president has got to be Abraham Lincoln, he has got to be somebody who knows exactly who he is, knows exactly where he stands and is willing to, in the end, turn those reins of power back over. The temptation and the pressure is going to be absolutely enormous. If there is one guy out there that is the next George Washington, the only guy that I could think of is Rick Santorum. I would ask that you would take a look at him."

Conservatives Defy Polls, Endorse Rick Santorum

Anti-RINO activists meet from around country to unite behind 1 choice

Rick Santorum

Delegates from a nationwide group of conservative Republicans determined to "take back" the GOP met today, defied an open-invitation straw poll taken earlier and endorsed former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania for president of the United States. 

Their endorsement further defies many national polls, which have Santorum registering in single digits.

The National Federation of Republican Assemblies, or NFRA, held today's Presidential Preference Convention to advise "Reagan conservatives who believe in small government, lower taxes, free market capitalism, a strong defense, the right to life and a decent America" in the upcoming primaries.

"We endorse candidates in contested primaries, so rank-and-file Republicans can know who the true conservative candidates really are," the NFRA website explains. "We shuck the corn with highly competitive grassroots endorsing conventions at which candidates must secure two-thirds of our delegates' support to win. And when we're done, there's no question who is who."

Read the rest of this entry at WorldNetDaily

Meet Senator Rick Santorum's Daughter, Bella!

A special little girl and a very special Dad.

For Santorum, Faith and Reason are Benchmarks for Politics

From CNA/EWTN News

By Michelle Baumann

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum says that reason does not conflict with his Catholic faith, but rather works with it to guide his political decisions.

“When the reason is right and the faith is true, they end up at the same place,” Santorum told CNA in an early October interview.

“Faith and reason. The conclusion must satisfy both.”

Rick Santorum's 'Path' to GOP Nomination

Charles Krauthammer, A.B. Stoddard, Steve Hayes join Bret Baier on the Fox News Center Seat.

Santorum: NH (and SC) Has To Make The Right Choice

Former Senator takes questions from Concord Christian Academy students; voters.

From BedfordPatch

By Tony Schinella

In front of about 60 people, including students from Concord Christian Academy, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum was peppered with a number of questions about his presidential campaign on Oct. 10.

For nearly two hours, Santorum spoke about his plans to revitalize manufacturing and grow the economy, his plan to keep taxes low, to repeal “Obamacare,” a pledge of support for Israel, and keep the government out of people’s lives while at the same time, preserving life and defunding Planned Parenthood.

Santorum: Someone in Florida ‘Is Shilling for Romney and Probably Perry’

From The Wall Street Journal

Former Sen. Rick Santorum suggested that Florida’s plan to move its presidential primary up to January is a ploy to benefit Mitt Romney and Rick Perry.

“What I believe is going on is somebody in Florida is shilling for Mitt Romney, and probably Rick Perry,” Mr. Santorum said on Fox News Thursday. “They want to shorten the playing field now that these guys are ahead. I’m sure they’d like to have the election tomorrow. So by moving up the calendar, you help the favorites.”

Did Santorum Bring Down Perry?

From The Washington Post

By Jennifer Rubin

Whatever problems Texas Gov. Rick Perry faces are his own doing. He debated poorly, failed to advance a specific agenda and stubbornly stuck to extreme ideas in a book that contains ideas unacceptable even to GOP primary voters. But the instrument of his downfall may have been Rick Santorum.

It was Santorum who boxed him about the ears in successive debates on mandatory HPV vaccinations and in-state tuition breaks to illegal immigrants. Coming at Perry from the right, his criticisms were particularly effective.

I asked Gary Bauer, one of the most influential of the Christian conservative leaders, about Santorum. He told me, “He has been impressive in the debates. Eventually one person will emerge as the alternative to Romney. I think Santorum could easily become that alternative, and many social conservatives would agree.”