Opinion : Letter to the Editor: Reader supports Santorum

This year’s Republican caucuses are incredibly important to the future of our nation. The candidate we choose to represent us must be one that has strong morals and convictions, as well as a solid and different plan to get America back on its feet. I believe Rick Santorum is that candidate. The list of reasons why I’m caucusing for Rick Santorum is a long one.

Senator Santorum is a Christian and, unlike some candidates, he has not changed his religious views over the course of his life. Santorum is against abortion and wrote the legislation that eventually banned partial-birth abortion. Santorum is for traditional marriage.

Senator Santorum is fiscally conservative and as president, would cut all regulations put in place by the Obama administration that are keeping business owners from being able to hire more people. Santorum is against granting amnesty to those in the United States illegally.

Senator Santorum wrote welfare reform legislation that effectively helped many people re-enter the workforce.

Senator Santorum did NOT support the stimulus bill that has failed to do its job. Santorum is also against extending the payroll tax break-this tax break took away $105 billion dollars from social security. Santorum recognizes that extending this tax break takes money away from those who have been paying into social security all their life.

Senator Santorum does not propose offering waivers to states who don’t want to participate in Obamacare; rather, Santorum wants to repeal Obamacare through proper legislative channels so that it is not mandated for anyone.

A big point that is generally left out in the media is that Senator Santorum has won political races against incumbent democrats in a blue state. This is good for those who are concerned with his electability.

Senator Santorum is a family man. He has been married for over twenty years to the same woman, and they have seven children. Santorum homeschools his children and believes that the education system needs major work. He proposes reducing the Dept. of Education’s role in education and allowing waiver systems that allow students access to all schools. Santorum is consistent in his standards and voting and has never changed positions, which is unusual for presidential candidates.

Senator Santorum has earned my support and I will be caucusing for him on January 3rd, 2011. I urge you check into Santorum’s record, compare it with that of the other candidates, and strongly consider caucusing for Santorum in this very important part of election season.

-Bethany Gates, Vinton