"This whole idea of personal autonomy, well I don’t think most conservatives hold that point of view. Some do. They have this idea that people should be left alone, be able to do whatever they want to do, government should keep our taxes down and keep our regulations low, that we shouldn’t get involved in the bedroom, we shouldn’t get involved in cultural issues. You know, people should do whatever they want. Well, that is not how traditional conservatives view the world and I think most conservatives understand that individuals can’t go it alone." [source]Check out his brochure, 50 Things You Didn't Know About Rick Santorum, where he proudly defends food stamps, increasing minimum wage, stem cell harvesting, bloated school funding, etc.
"What was my vision? I came to the uncomfortable realization that conservatives were not only reluctant to spend government dollars on the poor, they hadn’t even thought much about what might work better. I often describe my conservative colleagues during this time as simply ‘cheap liberals.’ My own economically modest personal background and my faith had taught me to care for those who are less fortunate, but I too had not yet given much thought to the proper role of government in this mission." –Rick Santorum, p. IX It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good (2005)
"I suspect some will dismiss my ideas as just an extended version of ‘compassionate conservatism.’ Some will reject what I have said as a kind of ‘Big Government Conservatism.’ Some will say that what I’ve tried to argue isn’t conservatism at all. But I believe what I’ve been presenting is the genuine conservatism our Founders envisioned. One that fosters the opportunity for all Americans to live as we are called to live, in selfless families that contribute to the general welfare, the common good." –Rick Santorum, p. 421 It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good (2005)
"If you're a conservative, there really is only one place to go right now. I would even argue farther than that. If you're a Republican, if you're a Republican in the broadest sense, there is only one place to go right now and that's Mitt Romney." –Rick Santorum, 02/1/2008 [source]
I don’t disagree with your statements - I did say that Santorum had a questionable voting record but if that is that case - just who do you vote for then?
I see no Republican in the race that is Conservative as you and I might describe them. Vote?
Thanks for the Santorum links. I like him even more now.
Yes, Santorum supports Stem Cell research ie. Adult Stem Cell not embryonic research.
Unlike Newt, Rick didn’t make his campaign about bashing capitalism and pandering to Hispanics by talking about ‘inhumane’ immigration policy. He doesn’t have divorces and affairs to deal with and he didn’t work for Freddie Mac. So I can see why many conservatives would go for Rick over Newt.
OUCH.
Some of its greatest hits (and the bold is NOT mine): "Rick was successful in his efforts to prevent Congress from making cuts to the food stamp program!
Rick has been one of the Senate's most active leaders in fighting for funding to battle world AIDS and to help eliminate world poverty, working closely with Bono, the lead singer of U2!
Rick has voted for record levels of funding for Pennsylvania's public schools!
Rick has sponsored legislation called "Fair Care" which would help laid-off workers to continue to receive their healthcare benefits!
Rick teamed up with Senator Joe Lieberman to write the "Savings for Working Familieis Act" of 2005, which would expand a matching savings account program for low income families which can be used to help their children afford college!
Rick wrote legislation that would increase the national minimum wage!
Rick helped pass an increase in funding for early childhood development programs such as Headstart!
Doesn't it just make you feel all nice and fuzzy that Santorum thinks government's job is to do all those things with OUR money!!
IN FAIRNESS AND HONESTY, it also notes plenty of good things Santorum did, like helping promote Health Savings Accounts, lobbying reform, eliminating the marriage penalty tax, enforcing immigration law, reforming medical malpractice, and opposing the 2006 Cost of Living payraise in the Senate.
Nope, Gingrich isn't perfect. NEITHER IS SANTORUM. But Gingrich has shaped and changed history much for the better in the U.S. via fighting to implement Reagan conservatism in Congress. Santorum's legacy? Meh ...
MOST important, the guy hasn't been vetted. Santorum fans are taking it on pure faith that he "has no baggage." Gingrich is battle-scarred. Santorum is a puppy who has a penchant for Nanny Government.