Richard John Santorum Sr. is an American politician, attorney, author, and political commentator who served as a United States Senator from Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2007. He was the third-ranking Republican in the Senate during the last six years of his term. Santorum also ran for the Republican nomination in the 2012 Presidential primaries, where he finished second to Mitt Romney.
1918: Birth of Catherine Santorum
Catherine Santorum, Rick Santorum's mother, was born in 1918.
1923: Birth of Aldo Santorum
Aldo Santorum, Rick Santorum's father, was born in 1923.
May 10, 1958: Birth of Rick Santorum
On May 10, 1958, Richard John Santorum Sr. was born in Winchester, Virginia.
1960: Birth of Karen Garver
Karen Garver, Rick Santorum's future wife, was born in 1960. She later became a neo-natal nurse and pursued law studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
1965: Griswold v. Connecticut
In 1965, the Supreme Court case Griswold v. Connecticut, which guaranteed the right to privacy and overturned a law prohibiting the sale of contraceptives to married couples, was decided.
1973: Roe v. Wade
In 1973, the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which recognized a constitutional right to abortion, was decided.
1976: Rick Santorum Graduates High School
Rick Santorum graduated from Roman Catholic Carmel High School in Mundelein, Illinois in 1976.
1980: Rick Santorum Graduates from Pennsylvania State University
Rick Santorum graduated with a B.A. degree with honors in political science from Pennsylvania State University in 1980.
1980: Historic Senate Defeat for Santorum
Santorum's loss in the 2006 Senate election marked the largest margin of defeat for an incumbent senator since 1980, highlighting the magnitude of his loss.
1981: Rick Santorum Begins Working for Pennsylvania Senate
In 1981, Rick Santorum began working for the Pennsylvania Senate as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Senate Local Government Committee.
1981: Rick Santorum Earns MBA from University of Pittsburgh
In 1981, Rick Santorum completed a one-year M.B.A. program at the University of Pittsburgh's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.
1984: Rick Santorum Becomes Executive Director of Senate Transportation Committee
Rick Santorum became the Executive Director of the Senate Transportation Committee in 1984.
1986: Rick Santorum Earns Law Degree
Rick Santorum received his J.D. degree with honors from Dickinson School of Law in 1986.
1990: Rick Santorum Leaves Law Practice
After his election to the House of Representatives, Rick Santorum left his private law practice in 1990.
1990: Marriage to Karen Garver
In 1990, Rick Santorum married Karen Garver, whom he met while she was studying law and he was recruiting summer interns. They now have seven living children together.
1990: Rick Santorum Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
In 1990, at age 32, Rick Santorum was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district.
1990: Santorum Adopts Anti-Abortion Stance
Rick Santorum, who had considered himself pro-choice earlier in life, shifted to an anti-abortion position by 1990 when he first ran for Congress.
1990: Santorum's Consistent Support for Gun Rights
Throughout his political career, spanning from 1990 to 2017, Santorum consistently received financial support from the gun lobby and remained a staunch advocate for gun rights, defending gun manufacturers and opposing stricter gun control measures.
1992: Rick Santorum Wins Reelection in the House
Rick Santorum won reelection in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992.
1992: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
1993: Rick Santorum Sides with Democrats on Legislation
In 1993, Rick Santorum was one of 17 House Republicans who sided with most Democrats to support legislation that prohibited employers from permanently replacing striking employees. He also joined a minority of Republicans to vote against the North American Free Trade Agreement that year.
1994: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
1994: Jerrold Nadler Introduces Workplace Religious Freedom Act
The Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA) was first introduced in the House by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) in 1994.
1994: Rick Santorum Elected to the Senate
Rick Santorum was elected to the Senate during the 1994 Republican takeover, narrowly defeating incumbent Democrat Harris Wofford, 49%-47%.
1994: Rick Santorum Elected to the Senate
Rick Santorum was elected to the United States Senate from Pennsylvania in 1994.
1994: Arlen Specter Provides Key Staff to Rick Santorum's Campaign
Arlen Specter provided Rick Santorum with key political staff for his successful run in 1994.
1994: Rick Santorum Hires People on Welfare to his Staff
After being elected to the Senate in 1994, Rick Santorum sought to "practice what [he] preached" and hired five people for his staff who were on welfare, food stamps, or other government aid.
1995: Santorum Leads Effort for Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
In 1995, Rick Santorum spearheaded the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, demonstrating his commitment to anti-abortion legislation.
1995: Rick Santorum's First Term as Senator
Rick Santorum began his service as a senator, representing Pennsylvania in the United States Senate in 1995.
1995: Rick Santorum Begins Service in the United States Senate
Rick Santorum began serving in the United States Senate representing Pennsylvania in 1995.
1995: K Street Project Initiated
The K Street Project, an initiative led by Republican figures like Tom DeLay and Grover Norquist, emerged in 1995 with the goal of placing Republicans in lobbying jobs and pressuring firms to contribute to Republican campaigns.
1995: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
1996: John Kerry Introduces Workplace Religious Freedom Act
The Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA) was first introduced in the Senate by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) in 1996, having been introduced in the House by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) in 1994.
1996: Santorum Attempts to Override Clinton's Veto on Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
Rick Santorum led an unsuccessful attempt in 1996 to override President Bill Clinton's veto of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.
1996: Death of Son Gabriel
In 1996, Rick and Karen Santorum's son Gabriel was born prematurely and died in the hospital two hours later. The Santorums spent the night in the hospital with Gabriel's body and brought him home the next day for their other children to see him.
1996: Rick Santorum Chairs Republican Party Task Force on Welfare Reform
Rick Santorum served as Chairman of the Republican Party Task Force on Welfare Reform, and contributed to legislation that became the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act in 1996.
1997: Purchase of House in Penn Hills
In 1997, Rick Santorum purchased a three-bedroom house in the Pittsburgh suburb of Penn Hills.
1997: Workplace Religious Freedom Act Reintroduced
The Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA) was reintroduced in 1997.
1997: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
1998: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
1999: Santorum Continues Push for Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
Rick Santorum sponsored another bill aimed at banning partial-birth abortion in 1999, further demonstrating his commitment to the issue.
1999: Workplace Religious Freedom Act Reintroduced
The Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA) was reintroduced in 1999.
1999: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
2000: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
2000: Santorum Claims New Jobs Since 2000 Have Gone to Immigrants
During the 2015 Iowa Freedom Summit, Santorum reiterated his stance on immigration, expressing concerns about the impact of both legal and illegal immigration on American workers. He claimed that a significant portion of new jobs created in the U.S. since 2000 had been filled by immigrants, advocating for immigration policies that prioritize American workers.
2000: Rick Santorum Wins Reelection in the Senate
Rick Santorum was reelected to the United States Senate in 2000, defeating U.S. Congressman Ron Klink by a 52%–46% margin.
2000: Santorum Becomes Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference
In 2000, Rick Santorum achieved a significant milestone in his political career by becoming the Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. This position, the third-highest ranking leadership role within the Senate Republicans, placed him in charge of the party's communication strategies, making him a prominent spokesperson. Notably, he was the youngest senator and the first Pennsylvanian since Senator Hugh Scott in the 1970s to hold such a high-ranking position.
2001: Purchase of House in Leesburg, Virginia
In 2001, Rick Santorum bought a $640,000 house in Leesburg, Virginia.
2001: Santorum Amendment to No Child Left Behind Bill
In 2001, Rick Santorum proposed an amendment to the No Child Left Behind bill, advocating for greater autonomy for schools in teaching about the origins of life, including the inclusion of intelligent design alongside evolution. Although the amendment, passed by the Senate, was later removed, its inclusion in the legislative history fueled debate on the teaching of evolution in public schools.
2001: Rick Santorum Becomes Third-Ranking Republican in Senate
Rick Santorum became the Senate's third-ranking Republican in 2001.
2001: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
2002: Speech at Centenary Celebration of Saint Josemaría Escrivá
In 2002, Rick Santorum traveled to Rome to speak at the centenary celebration of the birth of Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei.
2002: Rick Santorum Co-Sponsors Workplace Religious Freedom Act
In 2002, Rick Santorum was a co-sponsor of the Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA).
2002: Santorum Supports Intelligent Design
Rick Santorum, in 2002, publicly endorsed intelligent design as a valid scientific theory deserving of inclusion in science curricula.
November 2003: Santorum's Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Becomes Law
The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, a key legislative priority for Rick Santorum, was signed into law by President George W. Bush in November 2003.
2003: Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act
In 2003, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, a federal law that Rick Santorum was a leading sponsor of, was put into effect.
2003: Santorum Described as Having a Confrontational and Partisan Political Style
In 2003, The Pennsylvania Report characterized Rick Santorum's political approach as "confrontational, partisan, 'in your face'," highlighting his willingness to take a stand and advocate for his beliefs.
2003: Santorum Expresses Regret for Supporting Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit
In 2003, Rick Santorum publicly expressed regret for his previous support of the unfunded Medicare prescription drug benefit.
2003: Santorum Founds Congressional Working Group on Religious Freedom
In 2003, Rick Santorum established the Congressional Working Group on Religious Freedom, comprising members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The group convened monthly to deliberate on matters such as the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, tax-exempt status for churches, the CARE act, international religious freedom, and antisemitism.
2003: Santorum's Controversial Remarks on Homosexuality Spark Backlash and Online Campaign
During a 2003 interview, Rick Santorum's comments comparing homosexuality to bestiality and child sexual abuse drew significant criticism and led to a campaign by activist Dan Savage to redefine "santorum" as a vulgar term online.
November 12, 2004: Investiture as Knight and Dame of Magistral Grace
On November 12, 2004, Rick Santorum and his wife were invested as Knight and Dame of Magistral Grace of the Knights of Malta in a ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.
2004: Santorum's Campaign Addresses Donation Discrepancies
In response to the controversy surrounding his negative ad, Santorum's campaign clarified that donations cited in the ad, some of which were made by individuals who had contributed to Santorum in 2004, were not retained and had been directed to educational institutions.
2004: Santorum Endorses Specter, Sparks Controversy
Santorum's 2004 endorsement of Arlen Specter over Pat Toomey in the Pennsylvania Senate primary drew criticism from some conservatives who viewed it as a betrayal of their principles.
2004: Jack Abramoff Scandal Breaks
The political landscape was shaken in 2004 by the eruption of the Jack Abramoff scandal, which exposed a network of corruption and influence-peddling, rendering the K Street Project politically toxic for Republicans.
2004: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
January 2005: Santorum Announces Candidacy for Senate Republican Whip
In January 2005, Rick Santorum announced his bid for the position of Senate Republican Whip following the 2006 elections. He anticipated that Mitch McConnell, the incumbent whip, would seek the position of Senate Republican Leader as Bill Frist prepared for retirement.
March 2005: Santorum Expresses Misgivings about Death Penalty
In March 2005, Santorum publicly expressed his doubts about the death penalty, particularly in light of cases where individuals were wrongly convicted and sentenced to death.
September 2005: Santorum Introduces Controversial Weather Data Bill
In September 2005, Rick Santorum put forward the National Weather Service Duties Act of 2005. The bill sought to prevent the National Weather Service from providing weather data to the public for free if private companies already offered the same data commercially. This move sparked controversy, particularly because Santorum had received campaign contributions from employees of AccuWeather, a commercial weather company.
November 2005: Santorum Addresses K Street Project Allegations
In November 2005, amidst the fallout from the Jack Abramoff scandal, Rick Santorum addressed allegations of his involvement in the K Street Project. He initially characterized it as a "good government thing" aimed at ensuring qualified applicants for lobbying positions.
2005: Santorum's Residency and Children's Education Spark Controversy
Santorum's residency status and his children's education became points of contention in 2005. Critics questioned his Pennsylvania residency as he had criticized his opponent for living outside his district, and a dispute arose regarding the use of taxpayer funds for his children's online schooling.
2005: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
2005: Santorum Adopts "Teach the Controversy" Approach
By 2005, Rick Santorum shifted his stance to supporting the "Teach the Controversy" approach, suggesting that schools should focus on highlighting the perceived flaws and gaps in the theory of evolution.
2005: Santorum Supports Iran Freedom and Support Act
Rick Santorum, in 2005, showed his support for the Iran Freedom and Support Act, which allocated $10 million to promote regime change in Iran. Despite the Act's overwhelming passage, Santorum's stance on Iran remained a point of contention. He voted against the Lautenberg amendment, which sought to prevent companies from engaging in business with Iran through their foreign subsidiaries. His hawkish stance on Iran extended to viewing the country as the driving force behind Hezbollah and Hamas and a central player in global conflicts.
2005: Santorum Discusses Views on Libertarianism
In 2005, during an interview with NPR, Santorum further elaborated on his critique of libertarianism, arguing against the notion that individuals should be free to do as they please without government intervention in matters such as social issues and cultural values.
2005: Santorum Supports Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act
In 2005, Santorum voted in favor of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, a piece of legislation that shielded gun manufacturers from liability in cases where their products were used in criminal acts.
2005: Publication of It Takes a Family
In 2005, Rick Santorum published his book 'It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good,' offering his views on conservatism and its role in American society.
2005: Santorum Publishes "It Takes a Family," Advocating for Traditional Family Values
In 2005, Rick Santorum authored the book "It Takes a Family," in which he outlined his vision for a society rooted in traditional family values, emphasizing heterosexual marriage and child-rearing.
2005: Santorum's Book and Past Statements Draw Criticism
During his 2006 Senate campaign, Santorum faced criticism for controversial statements in his book "It Takes a Family," including his comparison of pro-choice Americans to "German Nazis" and his remarks linking liberalism to the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal, particularly in Boston.
September 2006: Santorum Reimburses School District for Cyber School Tuition
In September 2006, the Penn Hills School District won reimbursement from the state for $55,000 in tuition costs for the online "cyber school" attended by Santorum's children, who resided in Virginia while benefiting from Pennsylvania resident tuition rates.
October 11, 2006: Santorum and Casey Engage in Heated Debate
A debate between Santorum and Bob Casey on October 11, 2006, was marked by heated exchanges, with both candidates' performances drawing criticism for lacking statesmanship.
October 2006: Santorum Focuses on Radical Islam in Campaign
In the final stretch of his 2006 campaign, Santorum shifted his message to emphasize the threat of radical Islam, delivering a speech that likened the situation to pre-World War II Europe and citing the 1683 Battle of Vienna as evidence of a centuries-long conflict.
November 7, 2006: Santorum Loses Senate Seat
Santorum suffered a significant defeat in the November 7, 2006 election, losing to Bob Casey by a substantial margin of over 700,000 votes.
2006: Santorum's Loss Impacts Senate Leadership Plans
Rick Santorum's defeat in the 2006 election had significant repercussions on the projected Senate leadership changes. His loss prevented him from assuming the role of Senate Republican Whip, which he had actively pursued.
2006: National Taxpayers Union Grades Santorum's Tax Policies
Throughout his political career, beginning in 1992, Santorum's tax policies were regularly graded by the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative advocacy group. He consistently received grades ranging from B to A, indicating alignment with the organization's views on fiscal matters.
2006: Santorum's Negative Ad Backfires
Santorum aired a television ad implying that contributors to his opponent, Bob Casey, were under investigation, but the ad backfired when it was revealed that the claims were unfounded.
2006: Santorum's Opposition to Talking with Iran and Syria
Rick Santorum's hawkish stance on Iran and Syria was evident in 2006 when he opposed engaging in diplomatic talks with these nations. He viewed such dialogue as a mistake, arguing against negotiating with what he considered radical Islamists. His position was further highlighted by his vote against confirming Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense, citing Gates's support for dialogue with Iran and Syria as his reason.
2006: Publication of Autobiography and Foreword
In 2006, Rick Santorum wrote a foreword for William A. Dembski's 'Darwin's Nemesis: Phillip Johnson and the Intelligent Design Movement' and also published his autobiography.
2006: Rick Santorum Loses Bid for Reelection to the Senate
Rick Santorum lost his reelection bid for the United States Senate to Democrat Bob Casey, Jr. by a 59%–41% margin in 2006.
2006: Santorum's Claims about WMDs in Iraq
In 2006, Rick Santorum asserted that weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) had been discovered in Iraq, basing his claim on declassified intelligence reports. He pointed to the discovery of degraded chemical munitions from the Iran-Iraq War. However, this claim was contradicted by officials from the Department of Defense, CIA, and the White House, who maintained that these old munitions were not the WMD threat that prompted the Iraq War.
2006: Santorum Considered as Potential Presidential Candidate
Before the 2006 election, Rick Santorum's name was frequently mentioned as a potential presidential candidate for the 2008 election. However, these speculations diminished when he faced unimpressive poll numbers in his Senate race. During the campaign, he pledged to serve a full term if re-elected, and after his loss, he ruled out a presidential run.
2006: Santorum's Position on Intelligent Design and Reelection Bid
During his 2006 reelection campaign, Rick Santorum faced criticism for seemingly backpedaling on his earlier strong support for intelligent design, attributing the shift to a growing awareness of the religious motivations driving some proponents.
2006: Rick Santorum Loses Reelection Bid
Rick Santorum lost his reelection bid for the United States Senate in 2006.
2006: Santorum Opposes Senate's Immigration Reform Proposal
In 2006, Santorum opposed a Senate proposal aimed at reforming immigration laws, advocating instead for stricter enforcement of existing legislation. He consistently opposed amnesty for undocumented immigrants and called for measures such as increased border security and stricter penalties for immigration violations.
2006: Bono's Praise for Santorum's Humanitarian Efforts
In 2006, rock musician and humanitarian Bono praised Rick Santorum for being a defender of the most vulnerable due to his efforts in fighting global HIV/AIDS, assisting orphans and vulnerable children, combating genocide in Sudan, and offering third world debt relief.
2006: Santorum Seeks Re-election, Faces Challenges
In 2006, Santorum pursued a third Senate term, facing a challenging political climate marked by President Bush's low approval ratings in Pennsylvania and criticism for his endorsement of Arlen Specter over Pat Toomey in the 2004 Senate primary.
January 2007: Santorum Joins Ethics and Public Policy Center
Following his Senate defeat, Santorum joined the Ethics and Public Policy Center in January 2007 as the director of its America's Enemies Program, focusing on foreign policy and national security issues.
February 2007: Santorum Becomes Fox News Contributor
In February 2007, Santorum secured a deal to provide political commentary and analysis as a contributor on the Fox News Channel.
March 2007: Santorum Joins Law Firm and Other Ventures
Santorum's post-Senate career continued to expand in March 2007 as he joined the law firm Eckert Seamans, became a member of the Board of Directors at Universal Health Services, and began writing an op-ed column for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
2007: Sale of Leesburg House
In 2007, Rick Santorum sold his house in Leesburg, Virginia, for $850,000 and purchased a $2 million home in Great Falls, Virginia.
2007: End of Rick Santorum's Service in the United States Senate
Rick Santorum's service in the United States Senate came to an end in 2007.
2007: End of Rick Santorum's Tenure as Senator
Rick Santorum's time representing Pennsylvania in the United States Senate came to an end in 2007.
2007: Supreme Court Upholds Santorum's Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
The Supreme Court's 2007 decision in Gonzales v. Carhart upheld the constitutionality of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, a significant victory for Santorum and his anti-abortion stance.
February 1, 2008: Santorum Endorses Romney, Criticizes McCain
On February 1, 2008, Rick Santorum publicly endorsed Mitt Romney in the Republican presidential primary. He expressed criticism towards John McCain, questioning his voting record on abortion and his conservative values. Santorum later revealed that he endorsed Romney because he believed Romney had the best chance of defeating John McCain, whom he considered too moderate.
September 2008: Santorum Expresses Support for McCain
In September 2008, Rick Santorum shifted his position and expressed support for John McCain as the Republican nominee for president. He cited McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate as a positive step, suggesting a move towards more conservative values.
2008: Santorum Considered as Potential Presidential Candidate
Before the 2006 election, Rick Santorum's name was frequently mentioned as a potential presidential candidate for the 2008 election. However, these speculations diminished when he faced unimpressive poll numbers in his Senate race. During the campaign, he pledged to serve a full term if re-elected, and after his loss, he ruled out a presidential run.
2008: Critique of Separation of Church and State
In 2008, Rick Santorum critiqued the notion of separation of church and state, arguing that America's foundation on Judeo-Christian ethics was under threat. He spoke against the idea that private religious convictions should not influence public responsibilities.
September 11, 2009: Santorum Hints at Presidential Aspirations
On September 11, 2009, while addressing Catholic leaders in Orlando, Florida, Rick Santorum hinted at his presidential aspirations. He expressed his belief that the 2012 elections presented a significant opportunity for success. Following this, he scheduled several appearances in Iowa with political organizations, further fueling speculation about his potential candidacy.
2009: Santorum's Speech Fuels Presidential Speculation
In the fall of 2009, Rick Santorum delivered a speech at the University of Dubuque that focused on the economy. This speech ignited speculation that he might be considering a presidential run in 2012. Santorum later acknowledged that the online buzz generated by the speech made him realize there might be interest in his candidacy. His decision to campaign came after several conversations with his wife, who was initially hesitant.
January 15, 2010: Santorum Expresses Need for Strong Conservative Candidate
On January 15, 2010, Rick Santorum communicated with supporters of his political action committee, expressing his strong belief that conservatives needed a candidate who would not only defend their views but also articulate a clear vision for the country's future. He admitted to not having a burning desire to be president himself but emphasized his desire for a different president in the United States. He also shared that his grandfather's experiences with Italian fascism served as an inspiration for his own political endeavors.
2010: Santorum's Income Sources Revealed
In 2010, Rick Santorum earned a significant income from various sources. His highest earnings came from consulting work for industry groups like Consol Energy and American Continental Group. He also received substantial director's fees and stock options from Universal Health Services, along with income from the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Additionally, he earned income as a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
2010: Santorum Declines Gubernatorial Run, Endorses Corbett
In 2010, Rick Santorum was considered a potential candidate for the Governor of Pennsylvania. Despite being actively involved in conservative causes within the state, he ultimately chose not to pursue the gubernatorial nomination. Instead, he endorsed Tom Corbett, who eventually won the election.
April 13, 2011: Santorum Forms Presidential Exploratory Committee
On April 13, 2011, Rick Santorum took a significant step towards a potential presidential run by forming an exploratory committee. This move allowed him to gauge support and assess the feasibility of a full-fledged campaign.
June 6, 2011: Santorum Announces Presidential Candidacy
On June 6, 2011, Rick Santorum formally declared his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination on ABC's Good Morning America, stating that he was "in it to win." Despite initially trailing in the polls, his campaign gained momentum as other conservative contenders faltered. Leading up to the Iowa caucuses, polls placed him among the top three contenders, alongside Romney and Ron Paul.
June 2011: Santorum Criticizes Libertarian Influence within Republican Party
In June 2011, Santorum publicly expressed his opposition to libertarian ideology within the Republican Party and the broader conservative movement.
September 2011: Santorum Unsuccessfully Requests Google to Remove Offensive Content From Search Results
In September 2011, Rick Santorum requested that Google remove the offensive definition of "santorum" from its search engine index, but the request was denied.
November 2011: Santorum Expresses Belief in Microevolution
In November 2011, Rick Santorum articulated his belief in microevolution, acknowledging evolutionary changes at a smaller scale.
2011: Death of Aldo Santorum
Aldo Santorum, Rick Santorum's father, died in 2011.
2011: Santorum's Response to Gay Soldier at Republican Primary Debate Draws Criticism
During a 2011 Republican primary debate, Rick Santorum faced criticism for his response to a question from a gay soldier serving in Iraq, where he stated his intention to reinstate the ban on gay soldiers in the military.
2011: Santorum's Income Sources Revealed
In 2011, Rick Santorum's income sources likely resembled those from the previous year, including consulting for industry groups, director's fees, and income from the Ethics and Public Policy Center.
January 2012: Appearance on Piers Morgan Tonight
In January 2012, Rick Santorum and his family appeared on Piers Morgan Tonight. His daughter Elizabeth spoke about the death of her brother Gabriel and how seeing him after his death left a lasting impact on her.
January 2012: Washington Post Investigates Santorum's K Street Project Involvement
The Washington Post's "Fact Checker" investigated Santorum's alleged role in the K Street Project in January 2012, concluding that definitive proof of his collaboration remained elusive, depending largely on the definition of the initiative.
January 2012: Santorum Clarifies Stance on Death Penalty
In January 2012, Santorum clarified his stance on capital punishment, stating that it should only be used in cases where there is absolute certainty of guilt.
March 2012: Santorum Outlines Plans to Combat Pornography if Elected
In March 2012, Santorum further detailed his plans to address pornography if elected president, promising to instruct his attorney general to rigorously enforce existing laws against the distribution of obscene materials. He also criticized the Obama administration for what he perceived as a lack of action against the pornography industry.
March 23, 2012: Santorum Addresses Pornography Concerns on Campaign Website
On March 23, 2012, Santorum used his campaign website to express his strong stance against pornography, claiming that there was ample research to support its harmful effects on individuals and society. However, his assertions about the scientific evidence were disputed.
April 10, 2012: Rick Santorum Suspends 2012 Presidential Campaign
On April 10, 2012, Rick Santorum suspended his campaign for the Republican nomination in the 2012 U.S. presidential election.
June 2012: Santorum Launches Patriot Voices
In June 2012, Rick Santorum established Patriot Voices, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing conservatives across the country. The organization's mission centers around promoting faith, family, freedom, and opportunity, supporting various causes and candidates that align with these values.
2012: Santorum Addresses Republican National Convention
Rick Santorum was given a prime-time speaking slot at the 2012 Republican National Convention. Initially scheduled to speak earlier, organizers moved his speech to 9 p.m., aligning him with other highly anticipated speakers of the evening. In his speech, Santorum spoke about his immigrant grandfather's pursuit of the American dream, contrasted with his view of the Obama administration's policies. He shared personal anecdotes from his campaign trail experiences, including emotional stories about his daughter Bella and his encounters with disabled individuals and their families. Santorum emphasized the importance of strengthening marriage and family values and criticized Obama's stance on welfare reform, a policy he strongly advocated for during his time in Congress. He also criticized Obama's education policies, particularly on school choice and student loans. Santorum's speech concluded with a standing ovation.
2012: Santorum's Stances on the War on Terror and Afghanistan
Throughout 2012, Rick Santorum maintained that the war on terror was winnable and expressed optimism about the long-term involvement of the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan. He defended the use of controversial interrogation techniques like waterboarding at Guantanamo Bay, even criticizing Senator John McCain's opposition to such practices. Furthermore, he labeled the war in Afghanistan a "winnable operation", disagreeing with the proposed withdrawal by 2014 and criticizing President Obama's approach to the war.
2012: Santorum Hints at Presidential Aspirations
On September 11, 2009, while addressing Catholic leaders in Orlando, Florida, Rick Santorum hinted at his presidential aspirations. He expressed his belief that the 2012 elections presented a significant opportunity for success. Following this, he scheduled several appearances in Iowa with political organizations, further fueling speculation about his potential candidacy.
2012: Santorum's Speech Fuels Presidential Speculation
In the fall of 2009, Rick Santorum delivered a speech at the University of Dubuque that focused on the economy. This speech ignited speculation that he might be considering a presidential run in 2012. Santorum later acknowledged that the online buzz generated by the speech made him realize there might be interest in his candidacy. His decision to campaign came after several conversations with his wife, who was initially hesitant.
2012: Santorum's Comments on Euthanasia in the Netherlands Spark Backlash
In 2012, Santorum made claims about euthanasia practices in the Netherlands, alleging that a significant percentage of euthanizations were involuntary. These claims were widely disputed and criticized by fact-checking organizations and sparked international backlash.
2012: Publication of American Patriots
In 2012, Rick Santorum published 'American Patriots: Answering the Call to Freedom,' a book focusing on American patriotism and the values he believes are essential for the nation.
2012: 2012 Republican Primaries
In 2012, Rick Santorum emphasized his Christian roots during the Republican primaries, gaining popularity among Protestant evangelicals but losing the Catholic vote to Romney in most states. He won Protestant-majority states Alabama and Mississippi but lost in heavily Catholic Puerto Rico.
2012: Rick Santorum's Presidential Run
Rick Santorum ran for President of the United States in the 2012 Republican primaries but lost to Mitt Romney.
June 2013: Santorum Joins EchoLight Studios
In June 2013, Rick Santorum assumed the positions of Chairman and CEO of EchoLight Studios, a Dallas-based Christian film production company. Under his leadership, the studio has produced notable films such as "The Christmas Candle," a Christmas-themed movie, and "One Generation Away," a film exploring themes of religious liberty.
August 4, 2013: Santorum Expresses Openness to 2016 Presidential Run
On August 4, 2013, during an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, Rick Santorum revealed that he was open to the possibility of running for president again in 2016.
August 2013: Santorum Rejects "Middle Class" Term as Marxist Rhetoric
At an August 2013 GOP fundraiser, Rick Santorum sparked controversy by condemning the term "middle class" as "Marxism talk" and advocating for Republicans to avoid using it.
2014: Publication of Blue Collar Conservatives
In 2014, Rick Santorum released his book 'Blue Collar Conservatives: Recommitting to an America That Works,' highlighting his vision for a more inclusive American economy.
2014: Santorum's Opposition to Withdrawal from Afghanistan
In 2014, Rick Santorum voiced his opposition to the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
January 2015: Announcement of Bella's Gift
In January 2015, Rick Santorum announced the release of his book 'Bella's Gift: How One Little Girl Transformed Our Family and Inspired a Nation,' co-authored with his wife Karen and his daughter Elizabeth.
February 10, 2015: Release of Bella's Gift
On February 10, 2015, Rick Santorum's book 'Bella's Gift: How One Little Girl Transformed Our Family and Inspired a Nation' was officially released. The book focuses on his daughter Bella's life with Trisomy 18.
April 2015: Santorum Pledges Not to Respect Same-Sex Marriage Ruling and Declines Wedding Invitation
In April 2015, Rick Santorum signed a pledge vowing not to respect any law legalizing same-sex marriage, including a potential Supreme Court ruling, and stated he would not attend a same-sex wedding due to his religious beliefs.
May 27, 2015: Santorum Announces 2016 Presidential Candidacy
On May 27, 2015, Rick Santorum made his intentions official by announcing his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election. This announcement followed his earlier expressions of interest and his outlined plans for a potential run.
September 2015: Santorum Advocates for Workers' Rights
In September 2015, Santorum expressed his belief that the Republican Party should focus more on addressing the concerns of workers, emphasizing the need to discuss issues beyond just business interests.
2015: Santorum Expresses Regret for "Man-on-Dog" Statement While Reaffirming Stance on Homosexuality
In a 2015 interview, Rick Santorum expressed regret for his earlier "man-on-dog" statement, characterizing it as "flippant," but stood by his opposition to homosexuality.
2015: Santorum Comments on Climate Change
In 2015, following the release of Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato si', which addressed climate change, Santorum publicly disagreed with the Church's stance on the issue, suggesting that the Church should focus on theology and morality rather than scientific matters.
2015: Santorum Calls for Restrictions on Family-Based Immigration
In 2015, Santorum expressed concerns about the level of legal immigration to the United States, attributing the perceived stagnation of American workers' median income to the influx of legal immigrants. He called for stricter immigration policies, particularly those related to family reunification.
2015: Santorum's Comments on Caitlyn Jenner Spark Debate and Subsequent Clarification
In 2015, Rick Santorum's response to a question about Caitlyn Jenner's gender transition, while seemingly accepting, drew scrutiny for his continued use of male pronouns for Jenner. He later clarified his statement, emphasizing empathy but not a change in his policy stance.
2015: Santorum Firmly Asserts Belief in Life Beginning at Conception
In 2015, Rick Santorum strongly affirmed his belief that life begins at conception, stating it was not a matter of debate or faith.
2015: Publication of Bella's Gift
In 2015, Rick Santorum published 'Bella's Gift: How One Little Girl Transformed Our Family and Inspired a Nation,' co-authored with his wife Karen and his daughter Elizabeth, focusing on their daughter Bella's life with Trisomy 18.
2015: Santorum Reiterates Stance on Immigration at Iowa Freedom Summit
During the 2015 Iowa Freedom Summit, Santorum reiterated his stance on immigration, expressing concerns about the impact of both legal and illegal immigration on American workers. He claimed that a significant portion of new jobs created in the U.S. since 2000 had been filled by immigrants, advocating for immigration policies that prioritize American workers.
February 3, 2016: Santorum Ends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Rubio, Later Trump
On February 3, 2016, following a disappointing performance in the Iowa caucuses, Rick Santorum decided to end his presidential campaign. He subsequently endorsed Florida senator Marco Rubio. However, after Rubio suspended his campaign, Santorum shifted his support to Donald Trump.
February 2016: Rick Santorum Ends 2016 Presidential Campaign
After a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses, Rick Santorum ended his campaign for president in February 2016.
2016: Santorum Supports Minimum Wage Increase
During his 2016 presidential campaign, Santorum broke ranks with many in his party by voicing his support for an increase in the federal minimum wage.
2016: Santorum Shares Personal Experiences During Presidential Debate
During a 2016 presidential debate, Rick Santorum shared personal anecdotes about being advised to consider abortion but rejecting it due to his belief in life beginning at conception.
January 2017: Rick Santorum Becomes CNN Political Commentator
In January 2017, Rick Santorum took a job as a CNN senior political commentator.
January 2017: Santorum Joins CNN as Senior Political Commentator
In January 2017, Rick Santorum took on the role of senior political commentator for CNN.
2017: Santorum's Consistent Support for Gun Rights
Throughout his political career, spanning from 1990 to 2017, Santorum consistently received financial support from the gun lobby and remained a staunch advocate for gun rights, defending gun manufacturers and opposing stricter gun control measures.
March 25, 2018: Santorum's Controversial Comment on Student Activism
On March 25, 2018, in response to the student-led "March for Our Lives" rally advocating for gun control, Santorum made controversial remarks, suggesting that students should focus on learning CPR instead of seeking solutions from others. His comments drew significant criticism and were deemed insensitive by many.
2019: Death of Catherine Santorum
Catherine Santorum, Rick Santorum's mother, died in 2019.
April 2021: Santorum's Comments on Native American Culture Spark Controversy
In April 2021, Rick Santorum sparked controversy with his remarks about Native American culture. Speaking at a Young America's Foundation event, he claimed that there wasn't much Native American culture in American culture, arguing that the nation was built on a "blank slate." These comments drew widespread criticism and were labeled as racist by many, ultimately leading to CNN terminating his contract.
May 2021: Santorum Makes Controversial Remarks About Native Americans and Is Dropped From CNN
In May 2021, Rick Santorum sparked controversy when he stated that America was founded by white Europeans and downplayed the presence of Native Americans before their arrival. His remarks, which were widely condemned as historically inaccurate and offensive, led to his dismissal from CNN.
May 2021: CNN Terminates Contract with Rick Santorum
Rick Santorum's contract with CNN was terminated in May 2021 due to controversial comments he made about Native Americans.
August 2021: Santorum Joins Convention of States Project
In August 2021, Rick Santorum joined the Convention of States Project, an organization advocating for a convention to propose amendments to the US Constitution, as a Senior Advisor. In this role, he provides strategic counsel, acts as a spokesperson for the movement, and dedicates his efforts to restoring the balance of power within the republic.