Rick Santorum Hires Staffer in New Hampshire

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania appeared closer to launching a bid for the Republcian presidential nomination in 2012 on Wednesday when he named Mike Biundo as state director of Americas Foundation, a PAC affiliated with Santorum.

Biundo has a good deal of experience in the Granite State, serving on the team that helped lead Frank Guinta over Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter in November -- and helped Guinta win mayoral elections in Manchester in 2005 and 2007. He also was on Pat Buchanans team back in 1996 when that conservative pundit upset Bob Dole to win the primary. Guinta has also served on less successful campaigns -- including former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompsons bid to get the GOP nod last time out.

As former Senator Santorum continues to consider a run for president, I am pleased to have the opportunity to play a part in that process, Biundo said. The senators fiscally responsible approach to government and vision for Americas future will play well here in New Hampshire.

I am thrilled to have Mike a part of our team. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable in New Hampshire, Santorum said. As I continue on this journey, it is important we determine our ability to build grass-roots support and Mike will be an integral part of this process.

Santorum is an underdog to win the nod but he is a favorite of social conservatives and has worked throughout 2010, making many trips to key states including Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.