Politics

Iowa caucus winner Santorum endorses in House race

Alex Pappas Political Reporter
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Rick Santorum — the winner of the 2012 Republican presidential caucus in Iowa — is staying involved in the state’s politics by making an endorsement in the Republican primary for an open House seat.

Santorum announced Thursday that he supports Iowa’s Secretary of State Matt Schultz in the 3rd congressional district race. Incumbent Rep. Tom Latham, a Republican, is retiring from the House.

“I first met Matt Schultz in early 2010 when I visited Council Bluffs, Iowa for a luncheon to support the Pottawattamie County Republican Party,” Santorum said in a statement.

“After lunch, Matt and I visited one-on-one, getting to know more about each other and talking about our mutually shared vision for our nation,” Santorum said. “From that day forward, it was clear to me that Matt was a strong leader, great family man, and a leading face in a new generation of conservatives ready to return our nation to a path of prosperity.”

Santorum’s move is notable because he acknowledges he is contemplating another run for president in 2016. Schultz endorsed Santorum for president in 2011.

A source said Santorum plans to hit the trail for Schultz later this Spring.

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