Not chosen for GOP debate
Perry, Santorum, Jindal, Fiorina, Graham, Pataki and Gilmore will not appear in the GOP presidential debate in Cleveland, OH. They are below the threshold set by the average of of five recent national polls to calculate the top 10 candidates.
Presidential run announcement expected
In a fundraising email, Santorum acknowledges a tough road ahead — but also signals he is likely to take another stab.
If I announce a campaign for president tomorrow, I’m really going to have an uphill battle ahead of me. The GOP field is already crowded, and it’s extremely competitive.
In his fundraising email, he says he will need to gain instant traction or else be left behind in the dash for money. He will also need to show movement in the polls in order to gain a place on stage in the debates, which are likely to use size of support as a threshold.
Memorial Day message
Santorum tweets Memorial Day message
Remembering our fallen heroes this #MemorialDay. America stands because of their brave fight for freedom.
— Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) May 24, 2015
Criticizes Fox News debate rules
Santorum denounces the rules set by Fox News for its Republican presidential primary debate to allow participation of only ten candidates polling the highest in national surveys.
I’m someone who believes that we should have an inclusive process. If you’re a United States senator, if you’re a governor, if you’re a woman who ran a Fortune 500 company and you’re running a legitimate campaign for president, then you should have the right to be on stage with everyone else.
He also questions the legitimacy of national polls.
The idea that someone at 1.15% is in and someone at 1.14% is out, that to me is not a rational way, particularly given the fact that they’re using national polls, which isn’t a legitimate way in my opinion to determine the viability of the candidate.