Rick Santorum VS. Newt Gingrich: Who can take on Romney?

From an ideological standpoint, both Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum are fundamentally conservatives. Both men have many of the same positions. While on most issues, conservatives have applauded both men, there are some exceptions. Both men championed Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit for medicare passed by congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush. Gingrich, up until a few years ago, championed mandates for health insurance, and he supports a guest worker program for illegal aliens. Rick Santorum has in the past taken a protectionist stance on trade and he voted against right to work. Some of the issues conservatives have with both men are symbolic in nature; Newt Gingrich's ad with Nancy Pelosi and Rick Santorum's support for moderate senator Arlen Specter over conservative Pat Toomey during the 2004 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate primary are the most visible. However, the question that has confronted conservatives in 2012 is which one of these men is the anti-Romney? On paper, either man looks good to fill that void. Both are from modest back rounds, have conservative records for years, and excite different elements of the republican base; Gingrich the grassroots and Santorum social conservatives. However, one must look at their respective experiences and conclude that both of them spent a long time in Washington D.C. Gingrich was elected to congress in 1978, and served from 1979-1999. Santorum was in Washington D.C. from 1991 until 2007. For four years, Gingrich was House Speaker, the number one republican in the house and 3rd in line for the presidency. Santorum was the number 3 senate republican. So, who is best to take on Romney? As a supporter of Newt Gingrich, I must make the case Gingrich is stronger in that area and I have a lot of reasons. First of all, Newt Gingrich does have a wider array of experiences. He is a student of history, a former congressman and House Speaker, a think-tank head, he's helped run businesses, he's been a consultant, and he's been a political commentator. Gingrich spent much of his time after leaving office on national security issues and health care. Santorum did what most Washington insiders have done, spent 16 years in Washington before lobbying. Furthermore, outside of Pennsylvania and now Iowa, Santorum is not well-known. Even their times in Washington differ. Gingrich led the effort, working with members of both parties and a democratic President, to cut taxes, balance the budget, reform welfare, enact tort reform, and pass tough anti-crime legislation. While Santorum led on a few bills, he generally just voted. Yes, Santorum served his state's interests well, but Gingrich had to serve the entire nation as House Speaker. Furthermore, across the board, Gingrich does a better job being able to show a contrast with Romney. On jobs and budgets, Gingrich can point to his speakership, where as Santorum can only point to a bill he voted on. Newt Gingrich is the conservative alternative to Romney nationally, even if Rick Santorum was in Iowa. Yes, Rick Santorum was a good U.S. Senator who did some good things, but he does not have a place in history like Speaker Gingrich.