——Can someone explain to me why Santorum is not catching on?-——
Because is a loser.
He is a great conservative but is not percieved as someone who can win.
Like Romney, but without the bank account.
Santorum is NOT a conservative. Conservatives (in the political definition) uphold the Constitution (”conserve it”, the origin of the term). Santorum does not. In fairness only one candidate is a true conservative, but also has whacky, dangerous ideas. Conservativism allows for whacky, and even stupid, ideas, just because you’re “Conservative” doens’t mean you’re right. It means you uphold Constitution boundaries, which by no means prevent someone from making errors. In fact, they specifically allow for them.
There are no “Good” candidates in this race, just some more (or less) acceptable than others.
I think Newt is growning more conservative, but it could be a political ploy. I don’t think so, but I also know that he’s no bastion of conservativism either. However, Obama WILL destroy the country if he stays in office another term. Gingrich would be a better choice than that.
Personally he seems like a decent guy. I just don’t sense he has the fire in his belly, or the willingness to get dirty fighting the hard left.