I agree. But I think Santorum's "sodomy" statements and his Terri Shaivo antics really did him in. Far too controversial.
I don't really think so. Those are more media driven issues and I don't think many people changed their minds because of those things. I think Santorum supporting Specter against Toomey alienated many pro-life conservatives, some of whom would vote for Casey. Casey had the name and the ability to steal some of Santorum's social conservative mojo. Combine those factors with Iraq, and there you have it.