Newt Gingrich isn’t the only 2012 candidate leaving the possibility of running four years from now open, Rick Santorum is as well:
(CNN) - Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum hinted Monday he may see another presidential run in his future.
“I’m open to that possibility,” the Republican said when asked on CNN’s “Piers Morgan Tonight” about a 2016 White House bid.
“But we’re a long way…” he added, pausing, then continuing, “I’m focused right now on trying to stay involved in the fray and make sure that we do the right thing up on Capitol Hill right now.”
Santorum proved a tough opponent to Mitt Romney during the Republican presidential primary, ultimately forcing the contest to run as late as April when Santorum dropped his bid and paved the way for Romney to clinch the nomination.
Since then, the social conservative launched a nonprofit group, “Patriot Voices,” which advocates conservative causes and backs conservative candidates. The former senator also has maintained an active role as a political commentator and was an occasional surrogate for Romney during the campaign.
Santorum said Monday he was also focused on the Republican Party’s inner debate about its future, adding that he wants to make sure “that we’re going to be very active and engaged and stick to America’s founding principles.”
The former senator first told The Weekly Standard on Monday that he was “open” to another run.
Some would argue that Santorum would be the “next in line” candidate, traditionally the candidate that Republicans end up nominating. I tend to disagree largely because of the fact that Santorum isn’t really part of the party establishment and isn’t likely to get the backing of the big money people. Additionally, opinions about Santorum are rather divided even among conservatives, and his well known association with social issues may be something the right would like to avoid.
