Santorum May Surprise in Iowa

Some Republicans have written off the chances of likely presidential candidate Rick Santorum, the former Pennsylvania senator. Polls show him with very low name recognition. But he may prove to be a strong presence in the Iowa caucuses, Politico reports.

Cultural conservatives have performed well in those contests. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee placed first in 2008 with 38 percent of the vote, and Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson came in second place in 1988 with 25 percent of the vote.

Santorum has strategists who are experienced in Iowa, and long-time activists in the state see strong potential for him. “He’s probably making the most ground in this part of the state,” Sam Clovis, who hosts a conservative talk show in Republican-heavy northwest Iowa, told Politico.