Santorum as the New Gingrich

Rather than the new "not-Romney," Santorum might more usefully be described as the new Gingrich. In the Congress, both candidates were known for their divisive partisan nature. Neither candidate has any real experience or success as an executive. Both candidates come across as amateur pop historians. Both candidates have a poorly concealed bitter streak. More than any of the remaining candidates, both have close ties to K-Street. Both candidates used their status as former members of Congress to push various special interest measures in the heath care field (Santorum, Gingrich). Both took consulting contracts for firms in the energy field. Both are willing to shock people with unconventional or extreme positions (Santorum opposing contraception, Gingrich going after an independent judiciary) Both are relatively smart (compared to the GOP field). Both are Catholic. Both ended their Congressional careers on a poor note. Santorum is, in some ways, a younger better looking version of Gingrich, sans the serial adultery history or the historic achievements of Gingrich on behalf of conservatives.