For 16 years, Rick Santorum was a principal figure in Pennsylvania politics. As he aims to win the White House, home state voters appear to be skeptical about his chances to beat President Barack Obama.
A Monday poll released by Muhlenberg College / The Morning Call found that only 13 percent of those polled strongly agreed that he could beat Obama. The sample reached 625 Keystone State voters, with some like 73-year-old Mary Ellen Brimmer openly expressing doubts.
"I know Obama will just run away with him and I hope Obama will be finished," Brimmer told The Morning Call.
On social issues, the picture grew bleaker for Santorum. The poll found that 36 percent of voters strongly agreed that his views are too extreme and 44 percent strongly disagreed that his positions on contraceptives are similar to their stances.
While this in-state survey poses some discouraging general-election data, other Pennsylvania polls have Santorum gaining momentum within his own party's primary. A Franklin and Marshall College poll unveiled last Thursday has Santorum holding a favorable standing with Keystone State Republicans, in the form of a 30-point lead against rival Mitt Romney.
Santorum's flare for controversy has helped his cause with conservatives while sparking widespread scrutiny. Here are some of his memorable remarks:
