Santorum?

I seriously can not fathom why anyone would vote for him. Especially a woman. But, if he somehow manages to pull out a nomination, that just gives Obama 4 more years in the white house

A lot of people have issues with Romney. I think they are hitting the point where they don't want to vote for him so they are poking around Santorum.

Governor Romney has only 1 mantra to offer in his campaign: "I'm rich, I know how to create jobs--trust me and I'll do so." That is far too simplistic for the president of the most influential country on earth.

Senator Santorum has much more experience on the federal level, has shown the ability to be elected multiple times in an area that is tough for the GOP (Pennsylvania). He doesn't say one thing and do the other. He will tell you exactly what he believes, and if you don't agree, well, so be it, but at least you know where he stands & know what he will do. Gov Romney, I believe, will hold whatever position is politically expedient. I don't trust him one iota, but then again, I don't trust President Obama at all either.

I do think that Santorum is benefitting from the White House's requirements for providing free contraception for all (their "compromise" is just a different way of showing that NPOs will be paying for it, without actually showing them paying the cost--it'll be sunk into the premiums, rather than itemized separately--wonderfully crafted shell game to appease public opinion.) While it is true that the vast majority of Christians do use artificial birth control, politically, I don't believe that this issue is about contraception/abortifacients. I believe it is about religious liberty. I know TONS to Protestants and Catholics who use artificial contraceptives in their own marriages, but were still outraged by the Admin's brazen attack on religious freedom.

Another reason why he is surging--well, you'd have to actually watch the GOP debates to see him in action. He's been the clear winner of the last few big debates, as Romney and Newt just sit up on stage casting stones at one another about non-issues, but Santorum deals with actual issues.

I believe those who don't like Santorum usually have HUGE ideological differences with the entire GOP, the pro-lifers, or have gotten a ton of misinformation from unreliable sources *ETA:(as evidenced a few weeks ago when I asked "Why not Santorum" of GOPers and got scathing reviews of him from Dems and from people who posted poorly research & uncorroborated accusations of him & could not substantiate them when pressed to do so).

**added, for Dana, that 98% statistic is certainly jaw-dropping, but perhaps it deserves to be interrogated. That number comes from a study from the Guttmacher Institute, which is an international birth control advocacy group. It is like asking BP to conduct a study on offshore drilling safety.

It'll be interesting to see the responses...I hope you get some from "the other side." As a Catholic, Santorum embarrasses me and I am mortified that people who don't know much about Catholicism will associate my Church's teachings with his stated beliefs. My guess is that it's the "anyone but Romney" mentality, and that the Tea Party is throwing their support behind him, that are giving him a recent surge.

I really liked the way you asked this question. It was very respectful and is obviously meant to provide you with meaningful information.

Some of the responses, on the other hand, ick.

And for those who aren't very good at reading comprehension, the question has to do with your thoughts on Santorum, not Obama. If you want to actually answer the question, why not start by providing your thoughts regarding Santorum?

ETA: For those talking about the birth control issue, it's cheaper for the insurance companies to provide free birth control than to pay for unwanted pregnancies or abortions. So it's in their best financial interest to find those women who might want to use birth control and provide it to them for free. It saves them money...

I am so not the person you are asking to hear from, as I am also a Democrat and a huge Obama fan. I'm not sure, either, but I wonder if it is related to the controversy over access to birth control and abortions. There are many Christians and Catholic Christians who are very much against abortion. Some are against contraception as well.

I wonder if Santorum's sudden popularity has to do with his views on abortion and contraception and the fact that they are so opposite Obamas.

As a Liberal Catholic, I am so incredibly torn on this issue. On the one hand, I do agree with the Church's stance on abortion. On the other hand, this is about access to health care. Should a religious organization be forced to pay for something that they believe is the killing of an innocent life? Not everyone who works for a religious organization is going to follow the teachings of that organization. It's the job of the churches to teach morality, but it is up to the people to make their own decisions. You can't legislate morality ... but there are some moral wrongs that have been made illegal in our society ... aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But back to Santorum. Sorry, the only thing that really stands out about him are his very strict religious views and I really have no idea what that has to do with the economy!

I believe that people want to believe that money, inteligence, and playing the game is all that matter. But I don't think so. I think that the closer we get to the end time battles that lay ahead, the more spiritual forces are at work.

I'm not sure how much we can believe of what we hear and read. I don't know this person any more than any of us here know any of these guys or even our current president. It took a lot for me to write that without adding some snarky comments. But I'm trying to be honest with myself. I do NOT know him. None of us common folk do. We only know what the carefully constructed PR and leftist media want us to know. I have no doubt that the PR spinners for the right wingers are just as guilty of their spins on the truth.

IF it's true.. I just read that Romney has spent 14.5 million on his campaign so far and that Santorum has only spent 1.5 million. As a voter and a tax payer, that tells me that Santorum can do more for less and he will go in there and undo some of the mess that's been made.

I will spend my days and nights praying that God intervenes, sends workers into the path of all our politicians and that an Evangelical CHRISTIAN Revival spreads through our nations capital and our politicians and their family and throw in the media too.

I can't believe anyone would vote for Obama after the mess he's made during his presidency. Read D'nesh D'Souza's book "The Roots of Obama's Rage" for the truth about him.

I am an intelligent conservative tea party member. I'm not sure who I am going to vote for but know this, I will do whatever it takes to make sure Obama does NOT get another four years to wreck this economy anymore than he already has. My theme for this election? Anybody but Obama.

I did not think Obama had the skills to be President and he has proven that point. I am tired of hearing about "equity" and "fairness". GRR! In my opinion, he stepped in it regarding the birth control and religion. I am not going to just say the Catholics because other religions are affected in this as well. This has NOTHING to do with access and EVERYTHING to do with control. As a religious entity it goes against the church docterine regarding contraceptives. That is a duh. If you want birth control you can get it but the religious entity should not have to pay for it.

My healthcare plan offers contraceptives but I have to pay my part its not FREE. Why should any employer have to pay for FREE birth control? I mean seriously! Its NOT FREE! Someone has to pay for it!

I like some of what Romney says, some of what Gingrich says and some of what Santorum says. If I could make the "perfect candidate" that is what I would do. However, there is no such thing as perfect. So, I watch the debates and I will make a decision based on all of that. Not what anyone tells me to do but what I believe to be the best for our nation.

So there is my stance on that from an intelligent conservative tea party member. ;)

Obummer to scary to even start my feelings on him.

Santorum too conservative for our current societal attitudes
Gingrich too much bagage and controversy given his professional and personal history
Romney more mainstraim and palatable for those in the middle.

Personally, won't vote for Obummer..While the GOP candidates lack a charismatic candidate I sure as hell won't be casting my vote for the current administration. NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT to make me pay for BC for everyone else. college for everyone else, spread my wealth to anyone else. nothing in life is free it has to be provided somehow. With less than 50% of the American population paying income taxes for the whole country how much more should these honest americans take on?

Our only entitlements are what the constitution provides. We are entitled only what we work for.

Can't give an opinion on Santorum when so much is wrapped in the process as a whole. BC in the long run is not cheaper and of course it will be cheaper for ins companies because they will ultimately pass the cost onto the insureds. As a result of Obummercare you can just imagine how much my private ins costs me now. Unwanted pregnancies tend to end with an abortion but that's a different topic.

Sorry A., I'm not an "intelligent GOP momma". I'm an intelligent democrat. I voted for Obama in 2008, I will vote for hm again in 2012.

I think people are very repulsed by Romney. Santorum is a conservative, there are sections of the population that like his "morals and values".

I have alot of Catholic friends. My 4 yo is in a Catholic preschool. Every single one of my Catholic friends, including staunch GOP supporters, are pro birth control.

As a democrat, I don't get it. 98% of married American Catholics use birth control. The majority of American Catholics support the requirement that birth control be free in health plans that include medication plans (Public Religions Research Institute survey). Santorum seems to be so out of touch with what American Catholics believe that I don't understand his appeal in the least.

** Actually a 2002 survey by the CDC reports that 96% of Catholics use birth control. (2002 National Survey of Family Growth).

Because there are about 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide-77.7 million in the U.S.-not sure how many of them are voters-and Rick Santorum is the embodiment of and the epitome of decency and cherished values that make him come across like just what he is-great! Can he beat obama? Probably not-nor can Romney for that matter. Because race played the greatest role in the last election, I feel that it is imperative for the Republican candidate to , at the very least, choose a running mate that is African American-and the list is long as to those that are amazingly qualified-lots of talent from which to pick!

I only have a few minutes before I have to leave for an appt., but I wanted to respond to your question. The 'Why Rick?' portion of his website pretty much says what I wanted to say if I was able to take the
time and list what I think his pro's are.
http://www.ricksantorum.com/why-rick

Sorry, not trying to be lazy :)

The "problem" with Romney is that he is the more conservative, GOP version of Obama. There is a small, yet vocal backlash against Obama (what "mess" has he actually made of this country? How is your life any different under Obama than the previous president?...I ask this of those who do not support Obama) They want someone that supports what they see as "traditional" values. Most America's are pretty moderate, either right or left leaning. But as with anything, those who are most radical will get the press.

So I'm a Republican but I am fairly liberal when it comes to social issues. To me, the social issues are far less important then the economy, Iran or the war in Afganistan. So to answer your question - I have no idea why Santorum is swelling in the polls. He lost his Senate seat in his own state - why would anyone think he could win a general election against Obama?!?! Quite frankly it angers me - we've been in a war for 10 years, the economy is on the the brink of disaster and Iran is taunting us and people are voting for Santorum because he's pro-life and supports a constitutional ban on gay marriage. Seriously! Is this what we should be worried about!?!? I know there are some evangelicals who will say that we are in this mess because abortions are legal and states are supporting gay marriage. That's is God's way of punishing the US. I don't buy that at all and think those people are a minority and there is no way that they can carry Santorum in a general election. Oh and the fact that we are debating birth control in 2012 is absolutely ridiculous! Sorry, that turned into a bit of a rant. As a Republican I am just very disappointed that party couldn't come up with a better candidate. I will likely vote for Romney because he seems to be the best of the worst but I'm not excited about it

I am a conservative Catholic, not a Santorum supporter (and I'm pretty liberal on many social issues - just throwing that out there).

I think he's surging right now because he is seen as being much more conservative than Romney, and Tea Partiers are supporting him, like JB mentioned. I don't see it lasting. Romney has too much money, and he will have the support long term. I listened to Santorum on the radio for years and liked him, but like him less and less as a candidate as time goes by.

Background: although my social beliefs are moderate to liberal, I vote based on my financial beliefs. I believe that the federal government has way over-stepped its bounds with mandates of all sorts (of course, only the socially divisive ones make the news). I am all for helping out those who are down on their luck but not on creating a culture of accountability. Unfortunately, no one inside the beltway has the stones to cut or eliminate any social programs because the over-riding goal seems to be re-election rather than do what's best for our nation.

I am not a close race-follower, but the debates I have seen have shown Mitt and Newt attacking each other, with Santorum and Paul being the voice of reason (relatively speaking, of course)... Personally, I prefer most of Paul's positions, except for his "stick our heads in the sand" mentality with regards to the rest of the world. I think this is a turn-off for many who know that we have to at least participate globally. Therefore, Santorum ends up being the least off-putting... I wish the world of politics didn't chew up good people and spit them out (how many voters get their updates from the tabloids?) so that we could have a decent candidate rather than "who sucks less" for once...