After winning Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado last Tuesday, former Senator and GOP presidential contender Rick Santorum has revitalized his campaign. Instead of scrounging for votes, the candidate is now looking to build his war chest for what could be a long race between him, Newt Gingrich, and frontrunner Mitt Romney.
Donning a signature sweater vest, Foster Friess, the wealthy investor who is backing Rick Santorum’s presidential run, introduced the candidate.
Santorum walked on stage with what appeared to be his entire family. Surprisingly, the candidate himself ditched the vest for a full suit.
“Conservatism did not fail our country, conservatives failed conservatism,” began Santorum.
Santorum refused to comprise his beliefs and said it was unacceptable to abandon conservative principles for a “hollow” victory in November. The candidate vowed to surround himself with advisers who share his values and beliefs.
He also touched on the national debt and offered a broad plan to restore the nation’s fiscal and economic viability. He also didn’t fail to remind the audience about the Wall Street Journal’s opinion of his economic plan.
“In every year, we will spend less than the year before,” said Santorum. “And year after year after year, we will spend less and less until the budget is balanced.”
Unsurprisingly, Santorum spent a large segment of his speech discussing social issues. He did an excellent job meshing his argument against Obamacare with the system’s recent mandate that religious institutions must offer health insurance that pays for birth control, a measure that goes against the basic beliefs of the Catholic Church.
“When government gives you rights, government can take away those rights, said Santorum. “Government will own you.
Santorum also took the gloves off and attacked Mitt Romney for his imposition of universal healthcare and the first carbon cap in the country.
“Why would an undecided voter vote for a candidate the party isn’t excited about,” asked Santorum.
“This campaign is going to be about a vision. This campaign is going to be about who we are as Americans.”
Santorum’s speech was a highlight for many social conservatives. Apparently it caught the attention of many in the hallways as well, as large crowds were reported gathering around monitors to watch the candidate.
“You are blessed to live in a time when America needs you,” Santorum ended.
