There is a big diffence between this issue and Lott. most GOP'ers disagrees with what Lott said and most GOP'ers as well as a large number of Rats agree with Santorum. This is not the same level at all.
I wasnt comapring directly what Lott said versus Santorum, just the strategy involved to diffuse the controversy (which you probably picked up on anyway)
Santorum is speaking about core beliefs of millions upon millions of Americans