Chicago Tribune: In Michigan, Santorum feels heat from within

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-rt-us-usa-campaigntre81n1pg-20120224,0,5839651.story

In Michigan, Santorum feels heat from within

Steve Holland and Sam Youngman

Reuters

7:49 PM CST, February 24, 2012

DETROIT (Reuters) - After a week in which Rick Santorum's presidential campaign often seemed focused on issues like pre-natal testing, abortion and religion, the message from the Republican Party's establishment was becoming clear on Friday: We've had enough.

Santorum, battling Mitt Romney in what polls say is a tight race in Tuesday's crucial primary in Michigan, sought to tilt the narrative of his campaign toward jobs and the economy Friday evening with a speech in Lincoln Park, Michigan.

Earlier, however, there were signs Santorum's actions this week - his provocative statements against abortion and contraception, his claim that Satan is attacking America and his lackluster debate performance in Arizona on Wednesday - had given some leading Republicans new ammunition in their behind-the-scenes push to see his campaign defeated.

Two opinion pieces on Friday in The Wall Street Journal - whose editorial page is typically a barometer of the thinking of the Republican Party establishment - blasted Santorum 's brand of conservatism.


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The internecine warfare is such a joy to watch .... A fella has to get his kicks somehow ....