Tiptoe to 2012: Santorum Forms Presidential Exploratory Committee
- Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:16pm by
Emily Esfahani Smith
- Print »
- Email »
WASHINGTON (AP/THE BLAZE) — Former Sen. Rick Santorum is taking the next step toward a presidential bid.
Santorum on Tuesday said he had established a presidential exploratory committee and would participate in Thursday’s debate in South Carolina, an early presidential nominating state. The Pennsylvania Republican previously had filed a preliminary committee with the Federal Election Commission.
Establishing the presidential exploratory committee allows Santorum to raise and spend money but requires him to disclose his donors.
Santorum, who lost a bruising re-election bid in 2006, has been busy visiting the traditional early nominating states and hiring staff. He has laid the groundwork for a presidential bid but says he isn’t yet declaring a White House run.
Meanwhile, Jon Huntsman has also taken the first step toward a presidential run.
Politico reports:
Former U.S. Ambassador to China Ambassador Jon Huntsman took his first step toward a presidential run Tuesday, creating a federal political action committee that will allow him to travel and raise money in the weeks before he’s expected to formally announce a bid.
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 583 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 410 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 374 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 367 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 410 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 367 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 410 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (85)
FireTheLeft
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 7:05pmI am a PA Republican and think Rick would have a hard time carrying this state. Too much baggage and viewed by too many as an arrogant ass….. just saying.
Report Post »quicker
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 7:51pmAlso seems to be rino like .
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 11:25pmThere’s nothing Rino about Santorum. He was one of the most conservative senators we had.
Report Post »ScreaminEagle
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:47pmAs many republicans will soon find out,,, the Republican party does not have the intestinal fortitude to put Mr. West, or Christie on the ticket,,, unless in the VP slot,,, and THAT is why they will not win the election in 2012,,, it is the Rhino good old boys party,, and unless Americans who are conservative thinkers stand up and nominate our OWN ticket,,, even third party,,, the democrats will take it again,, I will NOT go to the polls again and vote for a McCain type candidate…. waste of a vote. We are fed up with the “cross the aisle” “middle of the roaders”,,,,, we want a candidate with balls that will stand up for what is right,, and fight back in the very face of the attacking left… like MR. WEST,,, he’s my man….. but,,, repubs will NOT tolerate him,, he is too “non Rhino”… non “goodOleBoy” type
Report Post »RichardSaunders
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:44pmIf you knew Rick Santorum better, perhaps you wouldn’t dismiss him so cavalierly … He has been talking about entitlement reform for 10 years – it almost cost him his first term in the Senate. I prefer to believe that Santorum was ahead of his time, and the issues he`s talking about, issues he has real (tough) solutions for – NOW – with a 12 trillion dollar debt, NOW those issues are of interest to a wider group of listeners … I don`t know if he`s “the one” … but he’s a serious candidate with serious answers to serious questions … give a listen … and decide with an open mind…
Report Post »jaytee3
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 10:56pmI agree, and he also has immeasurable knowledge of foreign policy, as well as a solid understanding of the threats we face. Santorum also understands the link between the economy and national security with solutions for both. I’m going to continue to listen to all candidates that are and continue to come on board, but right now the former Senator seems to hitting it all.
Report Post »greg4fitness
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 11:04pmRich… I think you’re the only one paying attention. I assumed The Blaze was a site full of people wanting to know the truth but there’s a whole lot of people spouting off that seem to know nothing about the guy except what someone told them. I still need to do more research and see more but I like the guy alot.
People are more about beating Obama at any cost even if it’s voting for someone not much different from him that just has an R next to their name.
Report Post »TheBeezKnow
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:43pmHerman Cain will be there too. So far he has my vote.
Report Post »LukeIamyourFather
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:41pmRick Santorum you will not win the Presidency and stop wasting your time. When will the Repubs get it through their thick skulls that people are tired of these stuffed shirt politicos. We need someone with pizazz!!!!! And take Neut, Huckabee, Romney with you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »OLDBIKEFIXER
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:30pmThe article says that John Huntsman is giving some consideration running for president in 2012. Is this the same John Huntsman that Glenn Beck mentions occasionally? If so, this could be just the guy we’ve been waiting for!
Report Post »We Are Not Alone
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 7:31pmYes, John Huntsman is Glenn’s mentor….. a man of honor
Santorum seems like a good guy but not dynamic enough, we need somebody who is going to be heard, loud & clear….. this battle will be historic because of all the corruption…..
Report Post »quicker
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 7:49pmNo it`s his son.
Report Post »TMan2020
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:24pmAllen West is the man for the job.
Report Post »smak
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 7:26pmHE AIN’T Running!
Report Post »OperationNorthwoods
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:02pmDoesn’t hold a candel to Ron Paul.
Report Post »5410amh
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:02pmHaven’t heard much about him. But we will see what comes from him.
Report Post »Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:00pmPlease.
Mr. Obama would eat his lunch, clean his clock, and send him home to Mama.
Report Post »Mr. Nice Guy
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:06pmI don’t know about that, but Mr Obama would defeat Mr. Santorum in the general election.
Report Post »RichardSaunders
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:50pmObama couldn’t eat Santorum`s lunch if he was “spotted” L-U-N-C … Santorum understands the threat that is Radial Muslim Terrorism … and unlike BO, Santorum doesn’t believe that the President of the United States “bows” to ANY OTHER foreign leader …
Report Post »ScreaminEagle
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:00pmI know this,,, when Mr. Bennett is not on “Morning In America” and Mr. Santorum subs,,, I can’t stand the show…. I dare say if he is on the ticket, in the Republican slot,,, the republicans will do exactly what they did with McCain,,,, LOSE,,, Please Rick,,, do us all a favor,,, GO HOME,,,, your own voters sent you there once,,, take their advice,,, STAY HOME,,, you bore us
Report Post »TeaPartyPatriot
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:00pmFor those with short (or drug-impaired, like a d-crat socialist) memories: When santorum was a Senator, he was considered by most to be “The Dumbest Member of the Senate” – even beating CA’s babs boxer for that distinguished title !! Obviously, the guy hasn’t changed.
Report Post »greg4fitness
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 11:13pmAnd you have no idea who it was that said that about him I suppose. The person that gave him that name is Ken Silverstein in an article for The Progressive magazine. Name your favorite politician and I’ll find you something really bad said about them in The Progressive. If you don‘t know what that magazine is or what they stand for please don’t vote. Don’t throw out facts unless you provide some context. They hate conservatives over there at The Progressive. They believe what we feel is the best conservative candidate to be the dumbest person in the world.
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:57pmI wish that all the good conservative candidates would get together and pick one to run. Then, that one would choose the others for the other administration positions. Imagine a cabinet that had all conservatives. No Rino’s,moderates, and the like.Let‘s support who ever get’s chosen to run.
Report Post »OLDBIKEFIXER
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:27pmBikerr, that’s an amazingly great idea! Howzabout everyone here get together to make that happen?
Report Post »survivorseed
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:58pmHerein lies your problem biker, you have no idea what a conservative is. You are really asking for a right wing *********, not a conservative.
Report Post »Carbine1
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:56pmAll Mr. Santorum or ANYONE who competes against the Communist is pick His money programs and His[The Communist] Narcistic persona;ity and Have Him[The Communist] the reasonings and benefits His decision making has benefited This Country and This Country alone and get to the point and DONOT and I will repeat DO NOT bring up His Stupid birth certifcate. Oh Ya He would not make a scab off of Al Capones a–/?!@#$%^&*1.
Report Post »IMPEACHBHO
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:52pmBHAUB
Report Post »back to your Caesar, troll.
EqualJustice
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:43pmI really like him. I saw him speak 3 times now and was impressed. That means look out for the ATTACKS and the DIRT to fly! :)
Report Post »Bhaub
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:39pmBe sure to google Santorum, folks. See the truth of what he gets behind. Watch the other hand.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:49pmLIKE GOOGLE is not in bed with the prez? Don’t believe EVERYTHING you read and only HALF of what you hear these days. FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF before you mouth off! If you google a lot of subjects it appears that BO has decided WHAT you will see on the first page! I thought he was a viable candidate, but then again, no matter WHOM it is we choose, the left will just try to vilify them.
Report Post »Entropy
Posted on May 4, 2011 at 4:19amPlease with the google junk. They are good search engine, but EVERYTHING you search for is going into a govt goon database to be used against you when they desire. Googe spies on the people for the govt.
Report Post »bdva50
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:38pmreally…….when did the candidates start with this exploratory committee bs…..be a human……do it or not……
Report Post »cloudsofwar
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:57pmGary Johnson has declared no BS
Report Post »Entropy
Posted on May 4, 2011 at 4:14amWhat’s going to happen is the establishment Repubs are going to try to keep anyone but establishment RINO goons out of the debates. It is what they always do. Then all we will have to choose from is guys and gals like Santorum. They are in on the destruction of this country as much as the Progs. I do not trust them one bit.
Report Post »Bhaub
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:36pmHe’d make a very frothy candidate.
Report Post »Mr. Nice Guy
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:02pmGroooooan. Terrible, just terrible.
OK, it’s a little funny.
Report Post »IMPEACHBHO
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:29pmWe need to get BHO out. I will vote for a dead rat…anything is better than Caesar.
Poll: Nine-point bounce for Obama after bin Laden news – and BHO is headed to ground zero Thursday to take (as usual) full advantage. Exactly what a Caesar would do….
Report Post »Mr. Nice Guy
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:35pmThat won’t be enough. Unless the Republicans choose the wrong nominee, he will not be re-elected. That’s assuming we have another election, of course.
Report Post »OLDBIKEFIXER
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:26pmI‘m going down to my buddy’s print shop and have some “Dead Rat in 2012” stickers made up!
Report Post »nosycophant
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:26pmWacko.
Report Post »eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:26pmWhy?
Report Post »Moore
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:25pmRick Santorum will make a fantastic President. Leadership and integrity is what our nation needs right now.
Report Post »Mr. Nice Guy
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:33pmHe seems like a good choice from what little I know of him. However if he should manage to get the nomination, he will not defeat Obama.
Report Post »Eric_The_Red_State
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:38pmAnyone but Obama.
Report Post »And I mean ANYone….
scottu
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 8:20pmI am from Pa. and I have been watching! Rick has had A tough job in this dem controlled state especially with the RHINO ” Arlene Specter who surprised him/us with his stab in the back before he came out of the closet.
Report Post »Rick has had to walk the line between the remnants of the severely democratic families of the once great Bethlehem steel etc. and the semblance of any reasonably winded offspring similar to an Archie Bunker‘s nephew that’s not smoking dope and can think past a forced course in mao or stalin or even che etc..
Us Pennsylvanians will one day realize the degree of complicity that our elected senators and congressmen, federal and state wide, have been party to, and the blatant harm of our way of life etc. These Politicians are responsible for. They have been the deciders of our side/the voters side/ the taxpayers side of all things that have been negotiated for a very, too long time. And, they negotiated as one negotiating with someone else s moneys and with a neighbors trust of future commitments of payments and they got silly with what they said we would pay for for the rest of our lives, and then they got even sillier with absurdities that they thought us others should pay!
Now we have the likes of the honorable Mr Santorum who is “animalistic” about what was done and how to start to change it back!
I don’t think there is any way other than that that will work! We are to the point of all or nothing
cheezwhiz
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:24pmStop wasting your money and our time Santorum
Report Post »cloudsofwar
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:53pmsame gos for trump
Report Post »BocaBaby
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 8:13pmTrump is THE ONLY person that can beat BHO.
and even then, with the way the media is trying to kill him…..we STILL NEED A MIRACLE.
TRUMP-PALIN 2012….. The weaker and faint hearted, need not apply….the stakes are high, and the COST for the candiates and their families…….VERY VERY HIGH.
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on May 4, 2011 at 1:36amTrump doesn’t know the Constitution. His political leanings change with the wind. Simply bashing Obama, does not a candidate make.
Trump wrote the best seller: “The Art of the Deal”
He will say or do whatever he thinks will close the deal: right now (assuming he really wants to run) closing the deal means winning the nomination. He didnt have anyone investigating Obama, he just kept saying that over and over and alluding to mysterious and damning evidence which he never disclosed. He knew that if he kept saying those things, he’d keep getting interview after interview on every cable channel and AM radio show.
I also think you can find his answer to the question of size and scope of government in another one of his books “Think BIG!”
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on May 4, 2011 at 2:08pmHe should come out and say he’s running for vice president.
Report Post »Ba Ba Booey
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:24pmNo Chance, hhahahhahahaha
Report Post »Revere1
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:30pmGood luck to Mr. Santorum and wish him well. Looks like he’ll need it. http://www.elephantwatcher.com/p/campaign-status.html
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:30pmI need to know more about this guy. I’ve heard him make some good noises in the past, but I’ve seen some of his constituents here on The Blaze point out some inconsistencies between his actions and rhetoric.
Kind of like Eric Cantor in my neck of the woods. All bark, no bite.
Report Post »one yrs.food ration
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:31pmskin is too white….
Report Post »SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 5:58pmI second that Santorum your wasting your time and money you are not the one we are looking for.
Report Post »JGP
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 6:01pmThe republican nominee, no mater who it is, has a tough go. Not only does he have the dems that don’t look beyond the R or D label and place their faith and hope in a massively ineffcient and corrupt federal government that will vote against him, he also has people voting against him that are tired of politics as usual unless he demonstrates real reform. The only people the nominee can rely on are the repub‘s that don’t look past the R or D label. (although there is nothing under the D label worth voting for these days. JFK couldn‘t get elected by today’s dems)
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 7:01pmWest is our MAN in 2012!!!
Report Post »BocaBaby
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 8:09pmyou are correct…….this guy has NO shot……..
yawn
seriously…..he not only cannot get elected in the GOP , but could not win the White House….no way, no how.
Report Post »techengineer11
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 9:29pmNeo-Con on steroids!
Report Post »We have Ron Paul or Donald Trump on the right. The only two that have even mentioned bringing our Armies home and staying out of everyone elses business.. or in other words following our US Constitution and respecting the Sovereignty of other Nations.
DisillusionedDaily
Posted on May 3, 2011 at 10:27pmSantorum hasn’t got the fire! We need someone who is fired up. Someone like Herman Cain or Allen West. They have the fire!
Report Post »Entropy
Posted on May 4, 2011 at 3:58amAnother mealy mouthed career politician. We need balls, not double speak. Those days are over.
Report Post »jorge_washington
Posted on May 4, 2011 at 9:58am“I need to know more about this guy. I’ve heard him make some good noises in the past, but I’ve seen some of his constituents here on The Blaze point out some inconsistencies between his actions and rhetoric.”
Rick Santorum:
“Yeah, I support the Ryan budget plan. I think it’s the right direction on the major points. I can’t say I’ve read all of it, but on the major thrust of what he’s doing, I support what he wants to do with Medicare, Medicaid. The only thing I would do, frankly, as I’ve said publicly many times, I think we should implement a lot of these things sooner than what he’s suggesting.”
That’s right, he wants to shut down Medicare and give people an allowance that won’t cover much. The savings will be given to the rich. That’s what I call re-distributing someone else’s wealth.
Report Post »