I recall that Santorum slipped something strange into the "No student left behind" bill. Something about creationism. I may be remembering it all wrong.
Yes, he did.
That's right, the 'Santorum Amendment'. It was in the preamble of the bill though, so it had no effect. I charitably assume he was showboating for his base.
I doubt he recommended a judge based on his beliefs on evolution. As you say, the guy looks like a party hack. He won't want to stick his neck out, and in PA, that's would be by ignoring precedent and finding for the religious right. I hope I'm right.
It is part of the defendants answer to the complaint.