Santorum Taking A Serious Look At Running For President Again
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- The presidential primaries are still more than a year away, but it already appears the Republicans will host another crowded field. Many 2012 candidates are considering another run, including Pennsylvania's Rick Santorum.
Former Senator Santorum is running. Definitely. Maybe.
"Absolutely he's taking a serious look at it," says Santorum strategist John Brabender. Brabender says Santorum has to think about both the personal challenge -- he has seven children -- and the political.
"Running for president is very expensive," Brabender notes. He says that's where running four years ago gives Santorum an edge: he attracted many small donors who continue to give to his nonprofit, Patriot Voices, and one deep pocket, Foster Freiss.
Brabender says Freiss is "committed to be supportive of Rick's efforts this time as well."
Democratic strategist Ken Smukler doesn't think that necessarily helps. He says Santorum's biggest problem may be his own party, which has moved its convention up to June and will limit the number of primary debates.
"What the party is trying to signal to second-tier candidates like Santorum is get out of the race before you start this race," Smukler says.
Smukler adds, though, he doesn't expect Santorum to be discouraged by that.
