It appears to me (correct me if I’m wrong) - your problem isn’t Rick Santorum - so much as it is the catholic teaching.
Of course - you don’t like it that Rick actually believes in the teaching of the church he belongs to.
No one is forcing anyone to be a catholic.
While my husband and I have a large family - no one forced me to. I am not treated as a “breeding machine” - and the catholic teaching is vastly different than Islam.
While I disagree with many politicians on their PERSONAL opinions - I don’t require 100% with my personal beliefs in order for someone to get my vote.
Is it your position that a practicing, faithful catholic should not seek the presidency?
Not at all. Just don't force me into a Catholic mold.
I wear a Saint Dymphna medal (look her up), duly blessed by a local priest, and it gives me great comfort. I've spent many more peaceful and regenerating moments praying alone in Catholic chapels than in Protestant churches.
After watching and listening to Newt after his conversion to Catholicism, I thought perhaps it was worth a second look. But gauging from some responses on this thread, I'll stay simply and quite happily unaffiliated.
Long story short, Catholicism itself is probably ok, but some of her representatives are just as bigoted as fervently evangelical Protestants.