Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum received a very large endorsement Monday when all 21 members of the Duggar family — 19 kids and their parents, Michelle and Jim Bob — announced their support for the former Pennsylvania senator.
The family stars in the TLC reality show, “19 and Counting.” They are conservative Christians and, like Santorum, home-school their children.
They stopped using birth control after Michelle had a miscarriage, which they believed was caused by contraceptive use, and have continued to have children ever since. Santorum’s pro-life stance has been a prominent part of his campaign.
“This year’s Presidential race outcome will set the course of America for the next several years!” said Michelle Duggar in a statement. “Santorum is a pro-life, Christian conservative with the family values and common sense business perspective that we need to get our nation back on track, to create jobs and to stand for what is right! Rick has a proven track record as a leader in the US Senate he fought to end partial birth abortion, he has stood for defining marriage as between a man and a woman.”
Duggar said that the family also appreciated Santorum’s support for lower taxes and increased oil drilling in Alaska.
“Rick is the man for the job, and the entire Duggar family asks those who are looking for a conservative candidate to support to join them in voting for Rick Santorum for President,” said the Arkansas family’s statement. “He will be a voice for senior citizens, the working families and the unborn.” (RELATED: Full coverage of Rick Santorum)
USA Today reported that Jim Bob Duggar campaigned with Santorum Monday in Iowa, the day before the caucuses. Santorum has been rising in the polls in recent weeks, largely due to endorsements from influential social conservatives.
Tuesday will tell whether the Duggar endorsement can give Santorum the push he needs to achieve victory.