Former GOP Senator Rick Santorum stated in an interview that Republicans should not overstate the impact of campaign spending in key Senate races, arguing that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s primary victory demonstrated that “money isn’t necessarily the animating thing.”
Discussing Paxton’s costly primary battle, Santorum noted that “the folks who wanted to stop Paxton from being the nominee were the folks who put all the money in,” adding that Senator John Cornyn “still lost by 30 points.”
He said Paxton has “a very strong base” and described him as “a conservative fighter,” predicting Democrats could face diminishing returns if they poured resources into Texas.
Turning to California, Santorum argued Republicans should have an opportunity to compete after what he called years of failed Democratic leadership.
“The reality is Marxism doesn’t work. Socialism doesn’t work,” he said.
“It is not working for California,” he added, citing high energy costs, job losses, and the state’s cost of living.
Santorum praised Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton as “a very reasonable, practical guy” who presents “a very moderate tone,” though he cautioned, “I don’t hold out a lot of hope.”
Still, he said, “if he can get into a general election, you never know what could happen.”
On President Donald Trump’s endorsements, Santorum stated that Trump possesses a unique connection with voters.
“I can’t remember any president who has more personal connection to his voters than Donald Trump,” he added, noting that supporters are often “willing to follow his lead almost without question.”
Addressing Iowa’s open Senate race, Santorum rejected suggestions that the state is politically competitive, calling it “a decidedly red state.”
However, he acknowledged voter concerns about “the economy,” “the war,” and “gas prices,” saying those issues are creating uncertainty in some races.
Santorum argued that pocketbook concerns will ultimately drive voter decisions in the midterms.
“The consequences of policies that affect people’s pocketbooks are always the things that matter,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of stability in the Middle East, stating that reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing threats to energy supplies would “lower gas prices, stabilize the situation, and I think really help domestically quite a bit.”
Despite the challenges, Santorum expressed confidence in Trump’s approach to foreign policy negotiations.
“One thing I do know,” Santorum said, “I listen to what he says very carefully. He understands that.”
“I think he’ll get a good deal in the end,” he added.
