Rick Santorum Wins NH Straw Poll Ahead of 2012 Announcement

Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- On the eve of Rick Santorum's official announcement of his candidacy for president of the United States, the Santorum camp released a press statement Sunday declaring Santorum the winner of the New Hampshire Conservative Future PAC's presidential straw poll.

Santorum won the poll with 37 percent of the vote, followed by Tim Pawlenty and Ron Paul.
 
In a statement, Santorum said, "As I travel the country, it is evident that voters are looking for a candidate who believes in them and not the power of government, and who wants to move our country forward based on our Founders' vision."
 
Lacking in overall name recogniton in comparision to some of the other 2012 candidates, Santorum has been making an effort to brand himself as the true conservative voice in the Republican field.
 
Touting his record on conservative issues during his two terms in the Senate, just this past Saturday, he spoke at the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference in Washington, D.C.  He reaffirmed his commitment to so-called 'pro-life' and 'traditional marriage' agendas.
 
"Granite State voters want a candidate who will work hard for the nomination and respects the state's role as the first-in-the-nation primary.   I am grateful for the support I've received from the people of southern New Hampshire, and I look forward to returning to New Hampshire this week," said Santorum.
 
Santorum will make his official announcement Monday in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  Prior to doing so, he will appear on ABC's Good Morning America for an interview with George Stephanopoulos.

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