Santorum Drops Out
by April 10, 2012 2:16 pm 85 views
Technically, Rick Santorum suspended his campaign today but for all practical purposes this means he is dropping out.
In his short speech at a press conference in Pennsylvania, he thanked supporters but made no mention of front-runner Mitt Romney, who it is safe to say is now the inevitable nominee. I actually wrote this week that was already the case, but now – barring something completely unexpected – it is a certainty.
Josh Duggar, chairman of Arkansans for Santorum, agreed that after the loss in Wisconsin it became inevitable, although he first heard the rumor regarding a campaign suspension yesterday.
“Arkansas would have went for Santorum with no doubt,” said Duggar. “The Republican establishment dismissed our chances to win even back in Iowa, but we proved them wrong in eleven states.”
“But at a certain point, candidates have to make the best decision for their principles and their party,” said Duggar who encouraged Santorum’s Arkansas supporters to focus on electing conservatives to local offices.
Duggar says that Santorum still plans to speak at the Benton County Lincoln Day Dinner in northwest Arkansas on May 11, which has been moved to the Embassy Suites in Rogers according to Larry Henry of 5News . More information on that event here.
“Senator Santorum is an able and worthy competitor, and I congratulate him on the campaign he ran. He has proven himself to be an important voice in our party and in the nation. We both recognize that what is most important is putting the failures of the last three years behind us and setting America back on the path to prosperity,” said Romney who is now likely the nominee.
“Today, Senator Santorum has made a commendable decision. He has decided to put his country, party, and desire to defeat President Obama ahead of any personal ambition. I applaud his decision and congratulate him on the campaign he has run,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus.
Of course, this is somewhat of a disappointment for an Arkansas blogger who identifies with the pro-life social conservative values Santorum championed. I had hoped that the primary would stretch into our state and give conservative Arkansans a voice.
At the same time, I certainly respect the decision Santorum made by reading the handwriting on the wall. He faced a difficult task to win his home state which votes later this month. A loss in Pennsylvania would have not only been the final nail in his campaign, but would have been an embarrassment for any future political aspirations.
In the meantime, Newt Gingrich who is polling fourth behind Ron Paul is making a play for Santorum supporters.
“I am committed to staying in this race all the way to Tampa so that the conservative movement has a real choice. I humbly ask Senator Santorum’s supporters to visit Newt.org to review my conservative record and join us as we bring these values to Tampa. We know well that only a conservative can protect life, defend the Constitution, restore jobs and growth and return to a balanced budget,” said Gingrich.
The big winner in this for Arkansas might be Republican Primary candidates. Without a viable Presidential primary – although of course all four candidates will be on the ballot – the Congressional and legislative races will drive the turnout, which makes campaigning a bit more manageable for them.