Is Santorum Starting to ‘Catch Fire’ in Iowa?

The Blaze ^ | 12-17-11 | Christopher Santarelli

[Lazlo in PA]

In a presidential campaign marked by sharp rises and falls, Republican Rick Santorum has experienced neither.

“I’m counting on the people of Iowa to catch fire for me,” the former Pennsylvania senator, who described himself as a “strong conviction conservative,” said Thursday during a debate with his rivals. “Iowans are beginning to respond.”

His dogged courting of Iowans the old-fashioned way — campaigning in living rooms, coffee shops and town squares — may be starting to pay off and at just the right time, as Iowa’s Jan. 3 presidential caucuses approach.

“Rick Santorum is the best-kept secret in the campaign,” said Tom Clark, a West Des Moines Republican and one of about 150 people who came to hear the candidate at a suburban Des Moines restaurant this past week. Clark left the event as a Santorum supporter prepared to volunteer for him, despite this concern: “I just don’t know if he can win.”

That worry could be why Santorum remains near the back of the pack in national GOP surveys. He also trails former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul in Iowa even though he has been the most aggressive campaigner in the leadoff caucus state. He’s visited all 99 counties and held 350 campaign events.

Santorum acknowledges that not all gatherings have been as lively as the recent one at the Machine Shed restaurant in Urbandale.

[Lazlo in PA]

I have always thought that IA was wide open for absolutely anyone to win this cycle. Who knows, Rick might be able to get something going there in the short amount of time till the caucus.

[HiTech RedNeck]

A slow to light piece of incense... but maybe.

[Steelfish]

Sea Biscuit redux?

[jessduntno]

Is Santorum Starting to ‘Catch Fire’ in Iowa?

Is that why he should be put out?

[Yaelle]

I hope he does very well in Iowa.

[Rational Thought]

I do too. Little has been said about him, yet he’s a Conservative I would be happy to support. I honestly can’t make that same statement about any of the other candidates.

[HiTech RedNeck]

Hey, the more GOP hopefuls the better right now. This shouldn’t be allowed to slip easily to Mitt.

[sheikdetailfeather]

I heard on Fox today he has really been working hard there so he should have something to show for it.

[Bobalu]

Maybe he could get more attention paid to him if he actually did catch fire!? lol

He's finished I'm afraid.

[Steelfish]

Santorum: We can all support. If PA (favorite son) falls, Obama is history.

[Mr Apple]

Santorum in 2012!

[Lazlo in PA]

He is about the only candidate that has been running an old style shoe leather campaign there. I think that will pay off in the long run with the way IA runs their politics.

[no dems]

I’ve said for weeks that if there is a “2012 surprise” coming out of Iowa, Rick Santorum will be that “surprise”.

[quantim]

The nation is in no mood for a *senator* to *fix* America.

We are enduring the 2008 result of that now.

Not that a former member of the house is any better.

America went 48 years...and we got a Kenyan and a RINO in the same election, both senators.

Seriously, let it go.

[chuckles]

As long as Newt wins, I hope he comes in second.

I did hear some ominous talking heads today however. They said on FoxNews Watch that "When Romney is debating Obama", like it was a done deal. This just proves we are not in control. I hate to be a tin foil hat guy, but It looks as if Romney will be the nominee no matter how many votes he gets, if you know what I mean. Romney is in 3rd and 4th place in some polls and they are still taking it for granted it will be him. Sorta like the laptop in Columbia that was captured from FARC with emails from Obama's team saying he would be the nominee when Hillary was ahead double digits. How did they know?

If Newt wins in Iowa and comes close in NH, then wins in SC, will he still be broke? He's winning but has no money. The Wall Streeter's are giving bucket loads to Romney. The invisible hand seems to have picked the winner already.

[Lazlo in PA]

IA has a way of changing peoples fortunes. Especially in this election cycle where it seems that the base will rally behind anyone with half a chance. At the very least, a win in IA for Rick could move him into contention for a VP slot. He is a fighter and would make a great VP.

[mylife]

I admire that he has campaigned in all 99 counties.

[mylife]

Perry is doing the same.

[mylife]

Hand shakes and face time work in caucus states.

[MovementConservative]

Santorum is the best kept secret and he’s been the most aggressive campaigner? Jeez Rick, do you think maybe it’s time to show a little personality? To think we thought Al Gore had the corner on boring.