WASHINGTON — Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum is lumping together his two leading rivals, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, and saying their records are too much like President Barack Obama's on big issues such as healthcare, climate change, and Wall Street bailouts.
Santorum is using that comparison to argue that he's a consistent conservative. It's a slap at their past support of a government requirement to put aside money for healthcare and their belief in climate change.
During an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union" today, Santorum said he established a record of steady leadership on conservative issues in the Senate and that Gingrich's years as House speaker were marked by rebellion among conservatives.
Gingrich has risen in recent polls, particularly in Iowa, which has its caucuses in three weeks.
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