The LuLac Edition #2018, April 10th, 2012

Rick Santorum embraces his wife after "suspending" his campaign for President in 2012. Daughter Elizabeth is on the left. 

SANTORUM STOPS RUNNING 

Rick Santorum, surrounded by his family this afternoon suspended his Presidential campaign. The former Pennsylvania Senator who was at 3% in the polls back in December won 11 primary and caucus states and became the surprise entrant in the 2012 race. Santorum’s main appeal was his personality, the way he connected with working class voters by talking about his own roots as well as his core belief in family value issues that seemed to be embraced by Christian conservatives. That favor shown by that wing of the party also got Santorum in trouble when he was hellbent on talking about positions that were to the far right of any progressive Republican or Democrat looking for a GOP person to vote for instead of Barack Obama. Santorum’s exit from the race coalesced around a few things. 
 1. His loss in Wisconsin which again exhibited an inability for his campaign to win Industrial states with a large amount of Electoral votes. 
2. The polls in Pennsylvania which show Romney inching up toward overtaking the favorite son. A primary loss in Pennsylvania will reawaken memories of Santorum’s 2006 loss against Robert Casey Junior. By pulling out of Pennsylvania, Santorum salvages his new reputation as a credible Presidential candidate with a national following for 2016 should Romney not win in 2012. 
3. The health concerns of his young daughter Bella who was hospitalized over Easter. 
Santorum made no endorsement of Romney. Santorum has said many times that he felt Romney would not be the best candidate to take the fight to President Obama. According to the AP, Santorum said, “We will continue to go out and fight and defeat President Barack Obama”. Santorum spoke with Romney before the announcement informing the front runner of his intentions. Unlike Newt Gingrich, by getting out of the race, Santorum leaves a fiery fight with Romney with a semblance of grace. It may not get him on the Vice Presidential ticket (that will go to Ohio Senator Rob Portman) but will give him a toehold in Conservative and GOP future opportunities. Santorum proved with this campaign, along with his photogenic and loyal family that there is a place in the American electorate’s checklist for a candidacy like his. Rick Santorum is no longer a punchline, but a worthy adversary who fought the good fight in 2012….and just might have another one left him in down the line.