Rick Santorum, Iowa's GOP man of the moment

(CBS News) 

DES MOINES, Iowa - As presidential candidates storm Iowa making a final push this weekend, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum is getting increasing attention as polls are showing for the first time that he could finish strongly here and have a big impact on the GOP race, CBS News political correspondent Jan Crawford reports.

In the Hawkeye State, Santorum is the man of the moment.

"Folks know what I believe in," said Santorum. "That's what they're looking for: Someone they can trust, someone who's authentic."

Special Section: Election 2012
Candidate Page: Rick Santorum
Romney, Paul lead in Iowa, but Santorum surging

It's a remarkable and rapid rise for the former senator from Pennsylvania. For months, as other candidates not named Mitt Romney surged, then fell back, Santorum struggled to get attention even at the debates.

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Rick Santorum on the campaign trail

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But after spending more than 100 days campaigning in Iowa, Santorum said he always believed his message would break through.

"I trusted the people of Iowa," said Santorum. "I believe that we brought something to the debate that was different.

More of Crawford's interview with Santorum

"There's more than just a little, narrow issue called jobs. Huge issue but there's more to being a president, and there's more to that issue that than just, you know, what your economic plan is."

(Below, CBS News political director John Dickerson breaks down the race in Iowa on the "CBS Evening News.")

Santorum has a solid conservative message. One example: Cutting federal spending on public schools.

"I don't see a role for the federal government in education," he said while campaigning in Davenport.

That's appealing to social conservatives like homemaker Sherri Wisecup.

"I like his Christian values and his family values," she said.

Many Iowa voters remain undecided. Wisecup said she's torn between Santorum and Romney.

"Too bad we can't put the two together and mesh some business experience with values," she said.

Romney still holds front-runner status as polls show him edging out Texas Rep. Ron Paul and Santorum, but Santorum questioned whether Romney, a one-term Massachusetts governor, could beat President Obama.

"He's never run as a conservative and won anything," Santorum said.

Santorum said he could beat Mr. Obama, that he knew how to win elections in swing states like Pennsylvania and would appeal to those key independent voters and do all of that without compromising his conservative principles.

[blacksunalchemy]

Rick Santorum named as one of the most corrupt politicians in 2006.

http://www.citizensforethics.org/index.php/press/entry/crew-releases-second-annual-most-corrupt-members-of-congress-report/

[WannaBeGeekster]

I wonder how long he will stay on the top when it comes out that he was listed as one of the most corrupt senators for 2005 and 2006. No wonder why he lost to a democrat.

http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-washington-dc/rick-santorum-top-tier-on-most-corrupt-member-of-congress-list-2-years-running

[Libertyswag]

These articles are a sign that the elections on Tuesday will be rigged. Mark my words. The elections in the U.S are far from "free and fair." They are moving the vote count to an undisclosed location. The people of IOWA better watch the vote.

[Lindag10]

"Less Federal funding for education"...Yep Rick, keep 'em dumb and they'll vote for you.

[tiredofprofililing]

I cheered when we "cleaned up" Pennsylvanvia! Now there is litter cluttering the political highways again. :) Just can't keep our roadsides clean. Santorum, NEVER.

[johnsmith9875]

The MSM is desperate, putting Santorum on the page in hopes that the Ron Paul juggernaut can be stopped.

[newsieee]

RON PAUL is the only candidate with integrity and competence.His record as a politician is of a saint.The neocon puppets are pushed ahead by the corporate media but this time the american people will not be fooled.
GOOGLE this and watch the video
"THE STORY OF TWO MEN TRAPPED IN ONE BODY"

"I predict future happiness for Americans , if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."
—-Thomas Jefferson

[Happy_Holidays1]

I support Ron Paul - but "a saint"???

[Happy_Holidays1]

by peconiccounty
If we want to save the babies killed by abortion-seeking mothers, if we value the dignity of the human person, if we are committed to life ... there is only one candidate and it is Santorum !!!!!

===

If the Repubs ever intended to do anything about abortion, they would have when GWB the Evangelical was backed by a Repub Congress and conservative SCOTUS for SIX WHOLE YEARS.

They don't want to lose single-issue voters like you, who won't notice that they've done nothing.

[johneverymann20]

For the majority of Americans abortions are the last thing we are worried about. Its not a deal breaker for me. I`m more interested in bailouts, Foreign policy, economy. Even if we did outlaw abortions, It would just create a black market. Which would make it more dangerous.

[webon60]

That "sanctity of life" ******** is soooo hypocrite, why neocons don't talk about the "sanctity of life" when they support the bombing of innocent people? The only GOP candidate with a moral ground to defend that is Ron Paul, the others don't give a sh#t about anybody's life.

[garysco]

No one is running a campaign with the efficiency of Mitt Romney. The Democrats fear no other candidate (they admitted as much in 2008). We don't want the most conservative conservative. His/her appeal would be too narrow. We want a president of the United States who is competent and inspiring to the nation (not just Rush Limbaugh or Steve Deace fans). A president of the United Right wingers of America will be ineffective in office on both social and economic issues.

[ThomasPaine2011]

He could not even win his re-election for his Congressional seat. He is not winning anything, Santorum is a loser.

[newsieee]

RON PAUL is the only candidate with integrity and competence.His record as a politician is of a saint.The neocon puppets are pushed ahead by the corporate media but this time the american people will not be fooled.
GOOGLE this and watch the video:
"THE STORY OF TWO MEN TRAPPED IN ONE BODY"