Paul Slams Santorum, Says Social Issues Are a 'Losing Position' for the GOP

With the Susan G. Komen/Planned Parenthood controversy, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturning Prop 8 and the controversial Obama administration contraception mandate, national political discussion over the last few weeks has shifted to social issues. Libertarian-leaning Republican presidential candidate Texas Rep. Ron Paul told Candy Crowley on CNN Sunday that the shift is a "losing position" for the GOP, and slammed rival candidate Rick Santorum for his positions on the issue while "pretending he's a conservative."

Paul said on CNN's State of the Unionthat he doesn't believe that the surging former Pennsylvania senator can beat President Obama in a general election, and associated what rival candidates and others challenging the Obama administration have called a fight for religious freedom, as simply an argument about "who's going to pay for birth control pills." Paul emphasized that he is more concerned about "the undermining of our civil liberties." Paul went on to further criticize his fellow Republican candidate Rick Santorum:

“He wants to control people’s social lives. At the same time, he voted for Planned Parenthood. I mean, I don’t see how anybody can get away with that inconsistency pretending he’s a conservative. And his voting record is, I think from my viewpoint, an atrocious voting record, how liberal he’s been and all the things he’s voted for over his many years in the Senate and in the House.”

The National Journal notes that Santorum admitted in a 2006 interview on Fox News that he supported Title X, a government program that provides funds for family planning services, including access to contraceptives. Santorum explained that while he believes in access to contraceptives, he personally feels they’re harmful to women and that abstinence education is a "healthier" option.

Based off experiences during his career as a gynecologist, Rep. Paul has long stated his belief that life begins at conception, has called for the repeal of Roe v. Wade and is adamantly against federal funding for abortions and organizations like Planned Parenthood. Paul supported the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, but also came out in support of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Mediaite video of Paul's remarks on CNN Sunday: