[presidio9]

So how does Santorum get destroyed in his own state in a Senate race and then go on to win the presidency?

What are you smoking?

Santorum faced a political perfect storm. He faced the son of a very popular former governor who was running as a social conservative. The only thing he had to run on was his support of the war, which had become very unpopular. In a national election, Santorum would have little problem carrying Pennsylvania. That alone would probably be enough to win him the election.

[zarf]

Santorum couldn't win the nomination let alone get near the presidency.

Your theory is off the charts wishful thinking.

It is not 1980.