Rick Santorum
Full Name and Common Aliases
Richard John Santorum, commonly known as Rick Santorum, is a prominent American politician, attorney, and political commentator. Throughout his career, he has been a significant figure in the Republican Party, often recognized for his conservative views and outspoken nature.
Birth and Death Dates
Rick Santorum was born on May 10, 1958. As of the latest available information, he is still living.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Rick Santorum is an American by nationality. His professional journey spans several roles, including that of a politician, attorney, and political commentator. He is best known for his tenure as a United States Senator and his candidacy in the Republican presidential primaries.
Early Life and Background
Rick Santorum was born in Winchester, Virginia, and raised in a family with a strong commitment to public service. His father, Aldo Santorum, was a clinical psychologist, and his mother, Catherine Santorum, worked as an administrative nurse. The family moved frequently due to his father's career in the Veterans Administration, eventually settling in Butler County, Pennsylvania.
Santorum attended Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He furthered his education with a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a Juris Doctor from the Dickinson School of Law. His early life and education laid a strong foundation for his future in politics and law.
Major Accomplishments
Rick Santorum's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1990, representing Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district. His tenure in the House was marked by his advocacy for fiscal conservatism and his role in the "Gang of Seven," a group of young Republican congressmen who exposed congressional banking and post office scandals.
In 1994, Santorum was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served two terms until 2007. During his time in the Senate, he was known for his work on welfare reform, authoring the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, which was signed into law in 1996. He also played a significant role in the passage of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.
Notable Works or Actions
Rick Santorum's political career is marked by his staunch advocacy for conservative values, particularly in areas such as family, religion, and social issues. He was a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage and a proponent of traditional family structures. His book, "It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good," published in 2005, outlines his views on the importance of family and community in American society.
Santorum's presidential campaigns in 2012 and 2016 further solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the conservative movement. In 2012, he emerged as a significant contender, winning 11 primaries and caucuses and finishing second to Mitt Romney in the delegate count.
Impact and Legacy
Rick Santorum's impact on American politics is significant, particularly within the conservative movement. His advocacy for social conservatism and his role in shaping welfare reform have left a lasting imprint on the Republican Party's platform. His efforts to promote family values and religious freedom continue to resonate with a substantial segment of the American electorate.
Santorum's legacy is also marked by his ability to galvanize support among conservative voters, particularly in the Midwest and Southern states. His influence extends beyond his political career, as he remains an active commentator and contributor to political discourse through various media platforms.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Rick Santorum is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering commitment to conservative principles and his ability to articulate these views in a compelling manner. His speeches and writings often reflect his deep-seated beliefs in the importance of family, faith, and community, making him a prominent figure in discussions on social and cultural issues.
His candid and sometimes controversial statements have made him a frequent subject of media attention, further amplifying his voice in the national conversation. Whether admired or criticized, Santorum's contributions to American political life continue to be a source of discussion and debate, ensuring his place in the annals of contemporary political history.
Quotes by Rick Santorum
Rick Santorum's insights on:
Look at the political base of the Democratic Party: It is single mothers who run a household. Why? Because it's so tough economically that they look to the government for help and therefore they're going to vote.
The idea is that the state doesn't have rights to limit individuals' wants and passions. I disagree with that. I think we absolutely have rights because there are consequences to letting people live out whatever wants or passions they desire.
We know the candidate Barack Obama, what he was like – the anti-war government nig- uh, the – America was a source for division around the world, that what we were doing was wrong.
We shouldn’t be putting tariffs on anything. That hurts working men and women in US. What we should be doing is making our manufacturing more competitive.
There are certain skills that business people have that are – that are, in fact, helpful in – when it comes to being in political leadership.
It’s not about contraception. It’s about economic liberty, it’s about freedom of speech, it’s about freedom of religion, it’s about government control of your lives and it’s got to stop!
When I say things like ‘Marriage should be between one man and one woman,’ I’m called a bigot.
I think I’m the best candidate not just to beat President Obama, but to do what is necessary to get this country going, a conviction conservative who can rally the American public around a common set of values.
If the most liberal man that’s ever been in office can get elected when 20 percent of the population identifies as liberal then I think we can elect a conservative when 40 percent of the population identifies themselves as conservative.
I watch the Food Network with my kids. We – yeah, I – I – I generally don’t admit that, but I love cooking.