Reactions to Rick Santorum Suspending His Campaign, April 10, 2012

Romney for President (rec'd 2:36 p.m.)

MITT ROMNEY: I CONGRATULATE SENATOR SANTORUM ON THE CAMPAIGN HE RAN

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today made the following statement on Rick Santorum’s announcement:
 
“Senator Santorum is an able and worthy competitor, and I congratulate him on the campaign he ran. He has proven himself to be an important voice in our party and in the nation.  We both recognize that what is most important is putting the failures of the last three years behind us and setting America back on the path to prosperity.”

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Newt 2012  (rec'd 2:57 p.m.)
Newt Gingrich Comments on Rick Santorum Suspending Campaign
 
New Bern, NC - Newt Gingrich released the following statement reacting to Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum suspending his campaign:

“Rick has waged a remarkable campaign.  His success is a testament to his tenacity and the power of conservative principles.
 
“I am committed to staying in this race all the way to Tampa so that the conservative movement has a real choice.  I humbly ask Senator Santorum’s supporters to visit Newt.org to review my conservative record and join us as we bring these values to Tampa.  We know well that only a conservative can protect life, defend the Constitution, restore jobs and growth and return to a balanced budget."
 
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Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee
Ron Paul Campaign Statement on Rick Santorum Withdrawal

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign released the following statement concerning Rick Santorum’s decision to end his bid for the Republican nomination for the presidency.
 
Below please find brief comments from National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton:
 
“Congratulations to Senator Santorum on running such a spirited campaign.  Dr. Paul is now the last – and real – conservative alternative to Mitt Romney.  We plan to continue running hard, secure delegates, and press the fight for limited, constitutional government in Tampa.”

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Republican National Convention (approx. 2:35 p.m.)
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Statement on Senator Rick Santorum’s Decision to Suspend His Campaign

WASHINGTON - Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement regarding Senator Rick Santorum's decision to suspend his campaign:

"Today, Senator Santorum has made a commendable decision. He has decided to put his country, party, and desire to defeat President Obama ahead of any personal ambition. I applaud his decision and congratulate him on the campaign he has run," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus.

"Senator Santorum has run a strong and admirable race. He has exemplified what a grassroots campaign is all about. He started out with little more than a pickup truck, going county to county in Iowa. As he exits the race today, he does so from the national stage.

"I look forward to working with Rick over the months ahead in a united effort to save the country from the devastating policies of Barack Obama. Rick has already reached out to say he will be part of the team effort to ensure Republican victories up and down the ballot in November. He will continue to be an active leader and persuasive voice in our Party and in the larger conservative movement.

"We all know Rick as a dedicated family man. Throughout his political career, he has said he is a 'father first.' In his presidential campaign, Rick has stayed true to his values, always putting his duties as father and husband above all.

"I thank Rick for his service, his ideas, and his tireless efforts. The most consequential election of our lifetimes stands ahead of us, and I know he will continue to be a leader in the important work to come."

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Log Cabin Republicans (rec'd 3:46 p.m.)
Santorum's Exit Puts Independent, Moderate, Younger Voters in Play

(Washington, DC) - After Senator Rick Santorum's announcement today that he is suspending his presidential campaign, Log Cabin Republicans look forward to the election this November, where the GOP can reach out and win with a stronger, more inclusive position.
 
"After a long and drawn out primary season, Republicans are looking forward to changing the focus toward President Obama and Democrats in Congress," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director. "The departure of Rick Santorum's divisive social politics from the race puts moderate, independent and younger conservative voters in play. The time is now for the Republican Party to capitalize by presenting an inclusive, united front focused on economic growth, exploration of natural resources and defending national interests abroad."
 
Under the organization's national bylaws, Log Cabin Republicans does not endorse during the presidential primary process. A decision regarding any formal endorsement will be made before the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL, where Log Cabin Republicans will have a presence.
 
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Obama for America (rec'd 4:16 p.m.)
Statement from Jim Messina on Today’s Developments in the Campaign
 
CHICAGO, IL – “It’s no surprise that Mitt Romney finally was able to grind down his opponents under an avalanche of negative ads. But neither he nor his special interest allies will be able to buy the presidency with their negative attacks. The more the American people see of Mitt Romney, the less they like him and the less they trust him. While calling himself the ‘ideal candidate’ for the Tea Party, he has promised to return to the same policies that created the economic crisis and has alienated women, middle class families, and Hispanic Americans. Americans value a President who will fight every day to rebuild an economy in which hard work will pay, responsibility is rewarded and everyone plays by the same rules. And that President is Barack Obama.”  – Jim Messina, Obama for America Campaign Manager
 
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Richard Viguerie/ConservativeHQ.com via PRNewswire
Richard Viguerie: Santorum Makes Gracious Exit, Romney Must Still Convince Conservatives

MANASSAS, Va., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, regarding the withdrawal of Rick Santorum from the presidential race:

"Rick Santorum today proved that, while some politicians talk about family values, he lives them.  

"Rick's gracious announcement that he is suspending active campaigning for the Republican nomination for president was a disappointment to the millions of movement conservative voters who share his principled conservative positions.  His choice to suspend his campaign after prayer and thought over this past weekend will also spare his family the toll that a summer of scorched earth campaigning against uphill odds would inevitably entail.

"Naturally, conservative voters in states like Texas, North Carolina, Indiana, and West Virginia who have yet to be heard from were counting on Rick Santorum to take their message all the way to the Republican National Convention in Tampa.  His commitment to continue the fight for their issues keeps their hopes for a platform based on conservative principles alive.

"To date, Mitt Romney has spent about $100 million to drive the conservative candidates from the field, in some case through vicious personal attacks.  However, he has spent little effort making the case for his own candidacy to grassroots movement conservatives.

"The first great challenge facing Republicans is whether or not Mitt Romney can heal the wounds created by his negative campaigning.

"The grassroots movement conservative voters who powered the Santorum campaign cannot be taken for granted.  During the 2006 congressional elections, four million conservative voters stayed home, producing one of the biggest defeats for the Republican Party in the modern era.

"The next step is up to Mitt Romney. Romney is seriously behind with committed conservative voters. To catch up, he must make the case that he merits the support of movement conservatives and that a Romney administration, if elected, can and will produce conservative government."

NOTE TO EDITORS:  Richard A. Viguerie pioneered political direct mail and has been called "one of the creators of the modern conservative movement" (The Nation) and one of the "conservatives of the century" (Washington Times).  He is the author of Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause.
FRC Action via PRNewswire
FRC Action Statement on Rick Santorum's Decision to Suspend Presidential Campaign

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins made the following comments after GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum announced his decision to suspend his presidential campaign:

"Rick Santorum's historic run for president achieved remarkable success because his campaign was based not on money spent but on the message of faith, family and freedom that he carried. I commend his courage, boldness and tenacity in fighting for the values that made America great, and are fundamental to returning America to greatness. 

"Millions of voters flocked to Rick not because he was a Republican, but because he passionately articulated the connection between America's financial greatness and its moral and cultural wholeness.  He realizes that real problem-solving starts with an understanding that the economy and the family are indivisible.

"This values message generated enthusiasm and drew many new voters into the process. If the Republican establishment hopes to generate this same voter intensity in the fall elections, Santorum voters must see it demonstrate a genuine and solid commitment to the core values issues," concluded Perkins.

SOURCE Family Research Council Action
Campaign for Working Families via PRNewswire
Bauer notes that Santorum "shocked the political pundits" with his campaign, praises departing GOP Presidential contender

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former presidential candidate Gary Bauer praised former Senator Rick Santorum on Tuesday after the announcement of the end of his campaign for the GOP nomination for President.

Bauer, the chairman of the Campaign for Working Families, made the following statement: "Senator Santorum ran an outstanding campaign. His success in state after state shocked the political pundits and beat the expectations. His message of smaller government and a strong national defense resonated with the heart of the Republican Party. His contribution to the debate has made the GOP stronger, and will contribute to the end of the Obama Administration this November. He and his family have made a wonderful contribution to the future of our country."

SOURCE Campaign for Working Families
Bachmann for Congress
Bachmann Thanks Santorum for his Contribution to the Presidential Campaign

Woodbury, Minn - Today, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann reacted to the news that Senator Rick Santorum is suspending his campaign for the Presidency:

"I deeply respect and admire Rick. He ran a great campaign.

"I appreciate the hard work and courage he demonstrated throughout the contest. He undoubtedly had a positive influence on the course of the race.

"Senator Santorum is a proud advocate for life. He has exemplified what family should be through his love for his wife, Karen, and their children, Elizabeth, Richard, Daniel, Sarah, Peter, Patrick, Bella, and Gabriel.

"Senator Santorum is an ally for Israel, and he truly understands the situation in Iran and the dangers of that regime.

"Minnesotans put their faith behind Santorum because they wanted a strong conservative alternative to the failed policies of President Obama.

"I personally would like to thank Senator Santorum for entering the race and for running strong. Our party will continue to rely on his voice in the remaining months before the election. We must ensure the positive solutions he stood for are made realities. He will always be a steadfast voice for conservative values.

"We wish the Senator and his family all the best. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they conclude this chapter in their lives."

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