Santorum to rally: Obama 'assaulted soul' of the nation
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Saying President Barack Obama has "assaulted the soul of America," former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum urged a tea party rally in Westmoreland County on Saturday to be a force in the congressional midterm elections.
"The future of our country is at stake," he told about 2,500 people gathered on a windswept runway at the Greensburg-Jeannette Regional Airport. "This November is your moment."
He said that even before those ballots are cast, voters in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District could "send another volley" reminiscent of Scott Brown's recent Senate upset in Massachusetts, if they elect a Republican, Tim Burns, in the May 18 special election.
"The eyes of America will be on this district," he said. "This is Jack Murtha's district. This is an old-line Democrat district. We have an opportunity in this election to send shivers."
Mr. Santorum, a Republican, was keynote among several speakers who addressed the sign-waving crowd, many bundled in blankets and sitting in lawn chairs, some clutching American flags in the cold. The event that ran a little over two hours was organized by the Southwest Pennsylvania Tea Party.
As Mr. Santorum was introduced, some chanted "2012," urging him to run for president. In an interview afterward, Mr. Santorum said only that he wants to have an impact on the race, as a candidate or otherwise.
"I'm considering it, but it's way too premature to make any decisions at this point," he said about a possible White House run.
Signs in the crowd were vivid illustrations of the group's displeasure with Washington, though perhaps not as provocative as at some other rallies. One displayed a red hammer and sickle, along with the words "Is this the change you wanted?"
Another placard declared, "We cling to our guns, our Bibles and the Constitution," and yet another read, "Fayette Patriots Defend America."
First Published April 18, 2010 12:00 am
