Santorum Announces Presidential Exploratory Committee

Social conservative and former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum announced on Fox News tonight that he’s launching a presidential exploratory committee for 2012.

Santorum Announces Presidential Exploratory Committee

USA Today reports:

WASHINGTON — Former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum announced Wednesday night that he will explore a run for the Republican presidential nomination, making him the second GOP contender in as many days to make his intentions official.

“It’s time for America to be America again — an America that rewards innovation and hard work, that stands by our allies instead of our enemies, that protects even the most vulnerable of our society, and an America that says every life is to be cherished,” he said. “That is what I believe in, and that’s why I’m taking this next step in a possible run for president.”

Santorum announced the formation of the Rick Santorum Exploratory Committee on Fox News Channel, where he was a contributor before he began signaling he may launch a presidential bid earlier this year.

The cable network suspended Santorum and former House speaker Newt Gingrich for 60 days stipulating their contracts would be terminated on May 1 unless they notify Fox they would not run for president.

The announcement does not come as a surprise. Santorum has spent the past few months visiting early primary states and has committed to several GOP primary debates, including one in South Carolina on May 5.

Santorum, a favorite of social conservatives, is a staunch opponent of abortion rights and stem-cell research. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1995-2007, and was defeated for a third term by Democrat Bob Casey.

Well, one thing is for sure: Santorum is not getting former GOP Senator Alan Simpson’s vote. As The Blaze reported earlier this week, Simpson blasted Santorum on Chris Matthews’ Hardball for having said “some cruel, cruel things about homosexuals…foul.” Whether that’s true or not, Santorum is definitely going to be pegged as the social-conservative-in-residence during the primaries, if he decides to run.

In the same interview with Matthews, Simpson stressed that Republicans should stay away from social issues in the 2012 cycle. Is he right? At a time when the nation is fixated on fiscal issues, it‘s hard to say he’s wrong.

Comments (77)

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  • Diane TX
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:47am

    The only viable candidates I see, are Chris Christie, Paul Ryan, and Allen West. These three are men who have actual principals and convictions. All of them, want to continue the exceptionalism of the USA. Michelle Bachmann would be great as the first female President, but I doubt that she will win at this time.

    If Trump enters the race as an Independent, he will only take votes away from the Republican candidate. So, if he doesn’t get the Republican nomination, (highly likely), he should just disappear from the scene. With him going on about Obama’s birth certificate, I think that he’s a mole to get Obama re-elected.

    Report Post »  
    • whereareyourbrains
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 7:51am

      he is a mole as far as I am concerned. Another Ralph Nader brought in to ruin the chances of taking over the Presidency from the worst potus we ever had. Obama is a number one con man. He is worse than any senator or congressman we have. He has been destroying America one day at a time. He needs to go and we gotta stop playing their game we need our own game plan.

      Report Post » whereareyourbrains  
  • OperationNorthwoods
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 2:41am

    Ron Paul 2012.

    Report Post » OperationNorthwoods  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:49am

      Ron Paul is too old to be President. His son would be a better choice.

      Report Post »  
  • marine249
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 1:57am

    kind of late for this one had to take a look at the next story
    it has to do with zeta-jones I looked for a panty line could not find
    Santorum RINO no more needs to be said

    Report Post »  
  • DaveOregon
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 1:53am

    Cain or West in my mind. Would vote for Christie – but alas, he won;t run.

    Report Post »  
  • Netsurfer2
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 1:36am

    Where is George??? Who really wants to truly help America and restore our country? Can you trust anyone that is running? We all need to do our homework! We don’t need another Obama!

    Report Post » Netsurfer2  
    • bitterclinger
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 10:26am

      Your “George,“ and your ”Reagan” are already here. Sarah Palin. Gov. Palin had an approval rate in the 80-90 range before she was selected by McCain. She left her state with a $12 bil surplus and cut the governor’s personal budget in a BIG WAY. She treated every taxpayer dime as if it were her own money she was spending. After the libs saw the reaction she got in Dayton, Barky sic’d his goons on her and the frivolous lawsuits started (all exonerated). The far-left AK bloggers smeared her and her family like no one has been smeared before. Ironically, one of those bloggers within the last few days, wrote, “I miss Sarah Palin.” Seems the blogger doesn‘t like the new gov and is only missing what she had after it’s gone.

      Seriously, look up how she cut her personal expenses compared to previous gov’s and factoring in cost-of-living increases. http://www.conservatives4palin.com showed side-by-side comparisons a while ago.

      Report Post » bitterclinger  
  • Slowman101
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 1:27am

    Don’t run Rick, I won’t vote for you. We don’t need another big government advocate.

    Report Post »  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 1:14am

    Ah, God, yet another Republican I won‘t get the privilege of not voting for because I’m registered Socialist.

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • nptden
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 1:04am

    Both him and Gingrich are losers. Greta van Susteren gives them exposure. If Greta wants to see a Conservative who could WIN. She should stay focused on Rep Allen West.

    Report Post » nptden  
  • Mainer forever
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:54am

    OMG I finally made it……4 different passwords…90 later…yup. no problem there. eyes rolling

    Report Post » Mainer forever  
  • Mainer forever
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:53am

    I’ve been trying to sign in to this site for the past 90 minutes

    Report Post » Mainer forever  
  • racistparanoidrobotbirther
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:47am

    He just smiles too perfectly….ya know what I mean?

    Report Post »  
  • SilentReader
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:42am

    I like Rick Santorum. However, I just think we need someone who represents the times we are living in. I think only Congressman Allen West can do what needs to be done for America.

    We need someone who doesn’t represent the old guard of the politically correct. Someone who is bold and has the courage to do what needs to be done. Someone who’s a leader and not a follower. Someone who has vision amd who understands what this country stands for. And someone who has a core conservative values, has been tested on the battlefield, and can make sound decisions to alter the suicidal path that we are now on.

    Someone like Allen West.

    If you’d like to draft Allen West for President 2012 a website has already been set up here:

    http://draftallenwest2012.com/Fundraising.html

    Report Post » SilentReader  
  • Cold War Vet
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:26am

    Add your comments

    Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • Cold War Vet
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:24am

    I like the comment by BANJARMON.

    He’s an insider. It’s early, but right now I’m more interested in an outsider like Allen West.
    The Democrats are worthless, America-hating socialist/communist scum who want to wipe out our nation.

    The Republicans are mostly worthless RINOs who care only about themselves, and will not do anything to save our republic. They couldn’t even get NPR and Planned Parenthood defunded in that pathetic excuse of a $38 billion budget battle that they basically handed over to the democrats. Trillions in foul debt to our enemies, and the get a half-ass bill for a mere $38 billion. They’re not repealing Obamacare, or trying to impeach illegal public enemy number one from our White House. They don’t work for us.

    America has suffered greatly under such worthless, spineless government. Time for a rock-solid 3rd party. The TEA Party.

    Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • BoehnerMustGo
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:13am

    Im glad to see new faces coming in…West, Santorum. We wont win with the same old crowd that ran last year….. no one wanted to vote for them then and their still not gonna want to. I like Santorum…. I think he’s got the “it” factor to get the votes. Never heard of anything RHINO about him.

    Report Post »  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:22am

      He had one of the highest conservative rating in the senate. But he played the loyal party man and campaigned for Specter when the White House asked him. He payed for that mistake at his re-election bid two years later.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
  • BoehnerMustGo
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:10am

    Not sure why the dislike of him. Everytime Ive ever seen him on TV he sounds very conservative to me. He’s well spoken and has the demeanor and appearance to bring people into his side. I’ve always liked him. What has he ever done that you call him RHINO?

    Report Post »  
    • flipper1073
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 2:10pm

      Nobody is calling him a RHINO thats an animal He’s a RINO (Republican In Name Only)

      Report Post » flipper1073  
  • sethlevy
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:03am

    Will any sane people throw their hat into the ring?

    Report Post »  
  • smokey888x2
    Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:55pm

    He’s not a big time insider like Newt, but I’m not sure on those social issues. Like it more down the list.

    Report Post » smokey888x2  
  • FLyoverman
    Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:42pm

    Santorum is a far better choice than Newt, Romney, or Pawlenty. Not perhaps my first choice, but he’s a whole lot more acceptable than the big names from the establishment.

    Report Post »  
    • tdbug58
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 2:17am

      agree here

      Report Post »  
    • BecksTheMan
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:38pm

      What are you smoking? Does he have the organization? Has he already ran? Does he have the name recognition? Is he a proven business leader and problem solver? Does he have the resources. With Mitt Romney the answer is yes on all questions. With Santorum the answer is no on all questions. When is the last time a Republican has won the Presidency on his first run without being a President’s son or a sitting VP. or a war hero Major General who every American had heard of like General Eisenhower?

      Report Post »  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:27pm

    being from pennsylvania, MAY I SUGGEST NOONE VOTE FOR THIS BIG GOVERNMENT RHINO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » Psychosis  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:37pm

      NOR Tom Ridge should he rear his ugly x democrat head again!

      Report Post »  
  • bassbone12000
    Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:25pm

    @Pipeman.
    I agree. We need somebody that in debate can put Obama in his spot, and have the ability to stand strong. I don’t think he could win either. But, who knows?

    Report Post »  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:23pm

    I would definitely vote for him. I‘m not sure he’s the one though. But it’s early.

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • JJCon
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:20am

      Seconded.

      This is also the first I’ve heard anyone call him a RINO.

      Report Post »  
    • tdbug58
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 2:16am

      I love him… I think he is a creat conservative !!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Marylou7
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 5:52am

      Glenn Beck said that Santorum lost his Senate bid last time because he stands firm on his convictions. That, imo, makes him worth a chance. I will listen carefully to his petition and if it sounds good then he could possibly have my vote. Honor says a lot about a person, a whole lot.

      Report Post » Marylou7  
    • bitterclinger
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 10:14am

      I’m originally from Southwestern PA. When I asked a conservative prof I’ve known for 20 years why Santorum lost re-election, he said he attended a town hall with Santorum and had never seen such arrogance. Now, Bob Casey is the only candidate where the room worked him, so it must have been pretty bad. Casey has the intelligence of a bag of potato chips — a small bag.

      At a conservative forum, the speaker said he’d been asked to evaluate Santorum at a speech in GA. He said a college student in the audience eviscerated Santorum, who had been railing on the importance of sticking to principles. The student said, “You supported Arlen Specter; how is that sticking with principles?” Santorum mumbled a response about having to support Specter because that’s what the party wanted. The student said, “So principles go out the window if it’s for the good of the party?”

      Direct hit.

      Report Post » bitterclinger  
  • pipeman32
    Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:20pm

    i love him, but i do not think he can win. we need to oust b.o.

    Report Post »  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 1:42am

      Amen!

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • whereareyourbrains
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 7:45am

      i am originally from PA.. THis guy sucks. He is just a fly in the oinment. WE also have to get rid of Trumph. He is just going to steal the votes from the rebuplican party. He is a RINO too. Trumph is probably getting money from the unions to run against any republican. Remember Ralph Nadar. another fly in the ointment.

      Report Post » whereareyourbrains  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:19pm

    Hope he is equipped to out debate his rivals because this is going to go to the one who has the ability to out debate who ever they confront with the right message.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:25am

      Hopefully the best person will rise to the top ..

      Report Post »  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:19pm

    He an insider….NO WAY will I vote for him!!!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
    • MiketheTrucker
      Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:33pm

      He’s in the same category as Romney———————RINO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      The media will NOT select our candidate, nor will they elect our president.

      69% of Americans now believe that America is on the wrong track. Obama is history, and the TEA Party will prevail. The

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:36pm

      Indeed, see the following:
      Senator Rick Santorum

      Hm, another Westren Pa. Candidate. Checks clean in the CFR data base, but a mentor of his Ernest W. Lefever is not so clean. Sen. Santorum and Mr. Lefever worked together in the Ethics and Public policy Centre in Washington DC. , judeo Christian orientated conservative think tank, seems innocuous enough on the face of things until one Bings.com Lefever and the CFR and bells go off all over the place. 
      “Dr. Ernest Lefever – CNP Board of Governors (1982). Long active in Maryland Values Education Commission, former Associate Director of the National Association of Churches, attended the founding Assembly of the World Council of Churches in 1948, a lengthy history of activity in Leftist causes – including that of consultant to the Council on Religion and International Affairs and a research analyst for the Brookings Institution, and who is presently the Director of Ethics and Public Policy Center at Georgetown University.” source http://watch.pair.com/database1.html
      Rick has potential but I would recommend thorough Vetting.

      Report Post »  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:36pm

      Where he been in the last two years? Where ever it was stay there……….

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:41pm

      Where were these guys in 2008. Why were we stuck with McCain. Who is John Galt.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:46pm

      Simpson stressed that Republicans should stay away from social issues in the 2012 cycle. Is he right?
      —————
      The senile fool is so wrong.
      If taxpayers end up paying for the consequences of these “ social issues”, taxpayers have a right to decide the funding of social issues ( starting from welfare to abortions) with their money.
      If you want to have 8 kids from 9 different men { :O } get a job first .
      If you want to have abortions every year , pay for them yourself.
      If you are illegal and don’t want to even learn English, don’t pop anchor-babies while calling this country’s taxpayers racist.

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • sethlevy
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 12:05am

      Agreed, he is one of a rare bunch that I would despise more than Obama

      Report Post »  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 1:40am

      Sorry folks, the cameras may like the way he looks, and the way Romney looks, and a few others, but this time around we need a REAL LEADER. I am putting all my support behind an effort to recruit Col. Allen West to be our nominee. I hope I’m not alone!

      Be a part of “the” grassroots Tea Party event of 2011, with all 50 state’s Tea Party and 9.12 groups attending… http://www.americasteapartynews.com/freedomjamboree.php

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • Showtime
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 2:13am

      Pretty soon Fox News will be out of contributors, too. Perhaps Glenn Beck can fill in until after the election?!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • avenger
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 5:52am

      no more pros……

      Report Post »  
    • Creestof
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:24am

      We need Glenn, Rush, Sean & Mark to get together and come out with 2-3 candidates who meet OUR qualifications and can win…as in no skellies in the closet.

      Their influence can make or break these Rino’s tossing their hat in the ring…and can offer the confidence needed to those who are on the fence. We do not want the RNC ignoring the people and once again picking some hack who has the qualifications for the job as they see it…which is, 1) areasonable chance to win, and 2) a high likelyhood that they can be controlled by the RNC once in office.

      May I suggest a constant poll on the home page here with the names and photos of the “possibles” where we can vote “aye” or “nay”?

      Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:35am

      His frothy mix of slick pragmatism and homespun rhetoric is a product of deep Beltway.experience.

      Report Post »  
    • yougottabekidding
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 7:19am

      Explore this: I hated you as my rep enough to vote for Casey! HOW BAD IS THAT? Save your money your a yes man from the word go. If President Bush burped it came out of your mouth. I do not trust you Nancy!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 8:22am

      Another RINO wasting his and our, time.

      It‘s pretty pathetic when you’re so blinded that you don’t even realize what those on your own side want.

      Report Post »  
    • BecksTheMan
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 11:56am

      @Mikethetrucker,

      Mitt Romney is not a RINO. He campaigned and contributed to more conservative tea party candidates than any of the others whose names are out there for possible presidential runs. Michele Bachmann who I really like would be much closer to a RINO than Mitt Romney, definitely Steve Christie and hands down less than New Gingrich and Huckabee and Pawlenty with his global warming and ethanol support. You are really showing your lack of knowledge as before you keep throwing his name out there as a RINO you need to be putting these people well ahead on your list of RINO’s. Why don’t you just tell the truth that you are a religious bigot and admit it is because he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?

      Report Post »  
    • dawg of gawd
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 11:03am

      CRSTOF . . . Please stand by . . . incoming transmission detected . . . new directives being issued by central command . . . commence erasure program for previous thought implants . . . . . . new data on the way . . . collating talking points from The Junkie . . . The Waterboard Welcher . . . The Rodeo Clown . . . The Bald One . . . integration sequence initialized . . . DO NOT TOUCH DIALS . . . DO NOT TOUCH DIALS . .. DO NOT TOUCH DIALS . . . reboot complete . . commence Tea Party blathering 2.0

      Report Post » dawg of gawd  
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