Santorum the Conservative Alternative to Romney? An Analysis of His Speech in Cape Girardeau 3/10 Lincoln Day Event

Jo Ann Emerson, introducing Santorum, endorsed his candidacy and urged Republicans to vote for him at the Republican Caucuses to be held Saturday March 17. Now, Jo Ann has been a congresswoman for our district since November, '96. Her congressional district is the largest in Missouri. She is quite popular and thus puts a lot of weight on her endorsement.

Santorum introduced his wife of twenty-one years and told of her support for his decision to run for president. He showed respect for her opinion by asking for it and she showed her support for candidacy.

He said they have eight children, raising seven with one in heaven. The one in heaven is Gabriel, born in '96 prematurely after 20 weeks of pregnancy. He died just two hours after birth. Incidently, President Obama, while Illinois state senator, was against legislation protecting a baby born after a failed abortion attempt. He has also supported the view that under 26 weeks of pregnancy, a baby is not really a baby. Santorum shows he believes otherwise and believes in the sanctity of human life begining at conception.

They homeschool their children showing his strong support for parental choice in education.

Regardless of the fact that he has been outspent by Romney, Santorum is winning the votes among conservatives. He has won first or second among conservatives in nearly every state primary and caucus.

Santorum told of his policy toward Iran. His "peace through strength" view is reminiscent of Reagan. He also gave his strong support for the nation of Israel and chastised Obama for his lack of support. He said the president has "turned his back on Israel repeatedly." He quoted Obama as saying that he would "negotiate with Iran" in direct opposition to UN sanctions. Then he showed Obama's weak foreign policy in the Middle East. Santorum authored a bill called the Iran Freedom Support Act. It was defeated at first but later passed, putting sanctions on Iran. His bill would build coalitions to change the government of Iran in favor of its citizenry. He said he was trying to avoid a war by helping to overturn the evil regime.

Then Santorum outlined Obama's destruction of our rights through Obama Care, etc. He said that Obama believes the government gives rights and can choose to take away those rights if it so desires. He said the number one central issue of this race is freedom from government control. Government run healthcare and government mandates violate freedom. Santorum chastised Romney for "Romney Care".

Santorum called Obama's energy policy, "No". He called for drilling for gas and oil on federal lands and off shore off the gulf. Obama has said yes to drilling in Brazil but no to the Keystone Pipeline.

He again showed his opposition to the theory of "man made climate change". He opposes "Cap and Trade".

Santorum told the crowd that he has consistently opposed bail outs, cap and trade, and Obamacare. He asked his supporters to vote for the consistent candidate.

Santorum referred to Reagan's "Beacon of Freedom He gave his support for the Tea Party Movement and the Constitution. The Constitution is the owner's manual of American government. The progressives don't want to talk about the Declaration of Independence but want to ignore that document and change the Constitution. God gave us the rights of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness, not the Constitution. The Bill of Rights recognizes the rights we already have. He said we are one election away from keeping our freedoms. He said it's up to this generation to pass the torch of freedom to the next generation. We must elect a conservative president and repeal Obamacare!

Remarks: As I told the Stoddard County Republican Club members by email awhile back, there will be only one conservative alternative to Mitt Romney by March 17th. Santorum has won primaries or caucuses in ten states. Gingrich has won in only two.

While I agree with Ron Paul's economic policies of eliminating government programs, eliminating the IRS and the Federal Reserve, I cannot agree with his Libertarian view on social issues or his isolationist foreign policy.

Gingrich is to be commended for his exceptional debate talent. There is no question he would beat Obama in debates. He was successful as Speaker of the House in crafting and implementing the Contract With America economic policy. true credit must go to him and the GOP Congress for balancing the budget and giving us a surplus. Sure, Clinton signed the legislation into law, but he cannot take credit for its success. Unfortunately, Gingrich has way too much baggage in his personal life. This has created a problem with Christian conservative voters.

Romney is a moderate. While he may in fact recieve the nomination and eventually beat Obama for the White House, the risk is too great. We canot afford a moderate who may very well lose to Obama in November. Ford, Dole, and McCain were all moderates. George Bush 1 was an establishment Republican who only had one term. we also cannot afford a moderate establishment president having only one term!

While, I cannot and will not make an endorsement, it appears that Rick Santorum is the only feasible and viable conservative alternative to Mitt Romney.

Richard D. Swift

505 Hickory Hills Dr

Dexter MO 63841

573-625-9535