Iowa “winner” Rick Santorum came back to reality a bit Tuesday night in New Hampshire gaining only 9% of the vote and finishing fifth just behind Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. In his post-primary speech, he attempted to downplay the results saying ”We came up here because we wanted to respect the process. We have… depending on your math… either ten times, five times, or three times (more support) than when we started.”
While I’m certain tomorrow’s headlines across the spectrum of political outlets will tell a story of an abrupt end to the “Santorum surge” in New Hampshire, I will reserve judgment on that matter until votes are counted in South Carolina. Don’t get me wrong. This is a telling result on some levels. Part of the attraction to Santorum for some is the fact that he ran and was elected as a “social conservative” in a Blue State – Pennsylvania. The fact that a similar translation failed to occur in New Hampshire will certainly give some pause. The result is also a sobering reminder that general elections are not won only in the states most favorable to the candidate.
That said, the guy more or less had about 24 hours to put together a campaign outside of Iowa. The fact that he nearly made double digits is probably an accomplishment.
I guess what I’m saying here is maybe give it until after South Carolina before you write off Senator Santorum. If his campaign’s not completely inept, it’s been hitting the ground hard down there even while keeping up appearances in the Granite State. Wait and see how he fares in the Bible Belt. I’d be willing to bet he brings in more than 9%.
Parting thought on that South Carolina contest. Anyone else wondering if/how an Evangelical base will embrace two Catholics and/or two Mormons? If there is going to be a “test” of whether old prejudices will return to play a role, South Carolina may have the answers. Rick Perry could stand to have a big night.
