The South Carolina primary failed to claim victims on Saturday, as Rick Santorum, the former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, vowed to continue to fight for the Republican presidential nomination.
“This campaign is not going to be about tearing anybody down. It’s not going to be about negative ads,” he said. “It’s going to be about working-class values, as my grandfather taught me,” said Mr. Santorum. “It’s a wide open race.”
Mr. Santorum, who finished well behind former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, said he remains committed to winning the Republican presidential nomination, despite polls showing him trailing the Republican front-runners.
Looking ahead to the Sunshine State in just ten days, Mr. Santorum said he plans “to be a little different” than his opponents. The Pennsylvania Republican stuck to a populist, working-class message in his brief speech, pointing out that he did not grow up with wealth.
“This campaign is not going to be about tearing anybody down. It’s not going to be about negative ads,” he said. “It’s going to be about working-class values, as my grandfather taught me,” said Mr. Santorum.
While Mr. Santorum’s message to supporters was mostly positive, the Pennsylvania Republican wasted little time in launching his attack on Mr. Gingrich. In an interview with CNN before those remarks, Mr. Santorum slammed the former House speaker, questioning whether he has the necessary support to win the 2012 nomination.
“Those who worked with congressman Gingrich know what’s in store if he’s the nominee of our party,” said Mr. Santorum, referring to his rival’s reputation as an erratic leader. “It’s game on again. We’re going to have it go on for a long time.”
