Nonsense. Santorum stands for the principal of subsidarity that underlies our federal system. He says that education is a family and local affairs that even the states should back off from trying to control every aspects of pubic education. he says it was mistake to support No Child Left behind. That he was against it in principle but went with the majority. Now that he sees what a monster it has become, he sees his misgiving were right.
Hardly an indication of his strength of character or judgment.
As for your statement that he stands for the "pricnipal of subsidarity," rather than for strict construction of the Constitution--which is the issue, here, not some philosophic substitute--that hardly recommends him.
He clearly showed his failure to recognize foundational principles--as opposed to inclinations of the moment--in his support for the Congressional intrusion into the Terri Schiavo case in Florida. See Abandoned Reason.
Frankly, I like the way Rick addresses some issues. He just does not understand what is really basic in the American context.
William Flax