In reversal, Santorum now enthusiastically backs McCain

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum: Getty Images PhotoMINNETONKA, Minn. -- Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum told his former Pennsylvania constituents Tuesday morning that despite his once withering criticisms of John McCain, the U.S. senator from Arizona has performed marvelously since emerging as the GOP's presidential candidate.

"I was as tough a critic of John McCain as anybody during the primary process," Santorum told the Pennsylvania delegation gathered for breakfast at the Southwest Marriott. "But I've watched what John McCain has done since this nomination, and he's done one hell of a job turning my head. Everything he has done since becoming head of this party has given me the confidence he will be the kind of president who we need at this time."

It's an important endorsement from the Santorum, who, despite losing heavily to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Scranton) in 2006, remains popular with conservatives who have been distrustful of McCain's more moderate record.

Santorum ticked off a list of issues he said McCain has become more conservative on, including his energy policy and immigration. The former senator also lauded his former colleague's performance at the Saddleback Church forum two weeks ago.

But most of all, Santorum said, McCain's selection of Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin (R) as his running mate proves he is committed to conservative principles.

"To see him take her and say 'She shared my values,' that makes me more comfortable," Santorum said. "For those of us who are conservatives, he's done everything he could do, needed to do to unite this party and get this party excited. As one Republican, I am very excited about this ticket."

Many GOP strategists applauded McCain's vice presidential selection because it would close the "enthusiasm gap" between his candidacy and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.). Santorum emphasized this point, extolling those gathered who were once apathetic about McCain to now actively campaign for him.

Modern politics, he added, demands candidates have a good ground game, and Obama right now has a better organization in place.

"What we need are people from St. Paul, the backbone of this party, get them excited about the opportunity to win this race," Santorum said.

It's a race, he said, that Republican suddenly realize they can win.

"I never would have thought this three months ago -- I think we're going to win this race," Santorum said to a loud applause from the delegation. "We are going to win this race, which is absolutely amazing given this environment ... and it's because of John McCain and the decisions he's made over the last three months."

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