Romney Campaign Press Release - A Closer Look at Congressman/Senator Santorum's Record

"Congressman-turned-Senator Santorum spent a long time in Washington, where he cast votes that defy explanation. For example, Senator Santorum voted against creating the e-Verify system, but voted three times to raise his own pay. If Congress is part of the problem, Senator Santorum isn't part of the solution." —Ryan Williams, Romney Campaign Spokesman

As We Know, Congressman/Senator Santorum Spent A Long Time On Capitol Hill:

Senator Santorum Is A Professional Politician, Having Served And Lived In Washington For Over Two Decades. "In 1990, Mr. Santorum, then 32, was first elected to the House of Representatives, and four years later rode an anti-incumbent wave into the Senate. He won re-election in 2000, but after a bitter and expensive campaign lost his bid for a third term in 2006..." (The New York Times' "Election 2012" Website, 2/19/12)

During His Career In The House And Senate, Santorum And His Colleagues Cast More Than 6,000 Votes. (U.S. House of Representatives, www.house.gov, and U.S. Senate, www.senate.gov, Accessed 2/19/12)

During His Two Decades In Washington, Congressman/Senator Santorum Cast Some Votes That Are Puzzling To Conservatives:

Senator Santorum Voted To Raise The Debt Ceiling Five Times. "Santorum acknowledged voting to raise the federal debt ceiling at least five times while in Congress." (Charles Babington, "Gingrich Defends His Attacks," The Associated Press, 1/15/12)

Senator Santorum Voted For Billions In Wasteful Earmarks. "Santorum was a prolific supporter of earmarks, having requested billions of dollars for pork projects in Pennsylvania while he was in Congress." ("2012 Presidential White Paper #4: Former Senator Rick Santorum," Club For Growth, 6/6/11)

Senator Santorum Voted To Require Every State To Allow Convicted Felons To Vote In Federal Elections Upon Completing Their Sentences. "Statement of Purpose: To secure the Federal voting rights of certain qualified persons who have served their sentences." (S. Amdt. 2879 to S. 565, Vote #31: Amendment Rejected 31-63: R 3-40; D 27-23; I 1-0, 2/14/02; Santorum Voted Yea)

Senator Santorum Voted Against Creating The E-Verify System, Which Helps Employers Maintain A Legal Workforce. "To strike provisions providing for the implementation of a national identification system and those provisions requiring State driver's licenses and birth certificates to conform to new Federal regulations and standards." (S.Amdt. 3752 to S.Amdt. 3743 to S. 1664, Vote #101: Motion to Table Agreed To 54-46, 5/1/96; Santorum Voted Nay)

Senator Santorum Voted To Confirm Future Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor To The Second Circuit Court Of Appeals. "Sonia Sotomayor, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit." (PN 402, Vote #295: Nomination Confirmed 67-29: R 25-29; D 42-0, 10/2/98; Santorum Voted Yea)

Senator Santorum Voted To Confirm Liberal Clinton Nominee Marsha Berzon To The Ninth Circuit Court Of Appeals. "Marsha L. Berzon, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit." (PN 33, Vote #38: Nomination Confirmed 64-34: R 19-34; D 45-0, 3/9/00; Santorum Voted Yea)

Senator Santorum Voted Three Times To Raise His Own Pay. "Santorum also supported raising Congressional pay at least three times, in 2001, 2002, and 2003." ("2012 Presidential White Paper #4: Former Senator Rick Santorum," Club For Growth, 6/6/11)

Congressman Santorum Stood With Big Labor And Voted To Prevent Employers From Being Able To Hire Permanent Replacements For Striking Workers. Santorum, along with a small minority of Republicans in the House of Representatives, voted for the Cesar Chavez Workplace Fairness Act, which would have prohibited employers from hiring permanent replacements when employees go on strike. (H.R. 5, Vote #224: Passed 239-190: R 17-157; D 221-33; I 1-0, 6/15/93; Santorum Voted Yea)