SantorumBlog

[Note: This is an endorsement/guest post by John Featherman.-ed.]

“Why I’m enthusiastically endorsing Senator Rick Santorum: An Essay by the
Unlikeliest of People – A Candidate Who Ran Against Santorum Twice.”

They say that “politics makes the strangest of bedfellows.” Well, it’s very true, because sometimes your strongest and most loyal allies can come from the unlikeliest of sources – somebody like me.

Arguably, I know Rick Santorum better than any other candidate who’s ever run against him. You see, I ran against Rick Santorum not once, but twice for U.S. Senate. Once in the 2000 general election as a Libertarian, and once in the 2006 Republican primary, until I decided to withdraw from the race. I’m socially liberal, and Sen. Santorum is socially conservative.

Let’s talk personality. I’ve always had tremendous respect for the ferocious campaigner Sen. Santorum is. Santorum’s aggressive campaigning style should never be underestimated. I will make the bold prediction that he will beat Bob Casey, even with Casey’s tremendous name recognition. Rick Santorum embodies the spirit of the “comeback kid.” He has a passion and a determination that are second to none in the national political landscape. Sen. Santorum also can write the book on “retail politics” – he never tires of shaking hands or going door-to-door. He doesn’t do it for the media cameos. If you know him, he genuinely enjoys meeting people and talking politics. He is the metaphorical equivalent of a football running back, who will get knocked down hundreds of times, but will ultimately get the touchdown and win the Superbowl. Santorum has earned his battle scars.

Let’s talk content. In an age where political correctness has produced spineless legislators, Santorum has emerged as an unapologetic defender of freedom — economic freedom and freedom against terrorism. Santorum does not waffle on immigration. He does not waffle on foreign policy. As was witnessed in his “Meet the Press” debate, he recognizes that we are in war against multinational terrorists – not just against terrorists harbored in Iraq. His opponent – Bob Casey Jr. – sadly has no understanding of any national or international issues. He does little more than regurgitate standard boilerplate that is broadcast on the Democratic Senatorial Committee’s Website. Casey is not Santorum-lite, as he’s sometimes been labeled. That’s an insult to Santorum.

Let’s talk controversy. The strongest criticism of Santorum over the years has come from “controversial statements” that are linked to him. The reality is that every “controversial statement” that Santorum has “made” was taken completely out of context. I know this because I was no different than his 2000 Democratic opponent Ron Klink or his current opponent, Bob Casey. We all looked for something to nail Santorum on. That’s natural. Any opponent would try to find something – anything – in order to embarrass an incumbent.

For example, let’s take his book, “It Takes A Family,” that has been completely taken out of context by the media. Santorum never said women should stay at home, but instead he said that women who choose to stay at home should not be ostracized. Yet, everyone – from me to bloggers to Bob Casey – twisted Santorum’s words to promote our own political agenda.

No one can dispute that Rick Santorum has been a champion for standing up for the rights of Pennsylvanians, particularly when it comes to protecting our financial future. And that’s not just my opinion. It’s the opinion of many staunch, partisan Democrats, including Gov. Ed Rendell.

There is no waffling or indecisiveness with Rick Santorum. He strongly deserves our support for reelection.