Rick Santorum Endorses Sam Clovis in Iowa Senate Race

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Penn., the defending champion of the Iowa Republican presidential caucus, announced on Wednesday that he was backing conservative talk-show radio host Sam Clovis for the Republican nomination to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.

"I am proud to endorse my friend Sam Clovis for the United States Senate, Santorum said on Wednesday. I had the pleasure of getting to know Sam during my run for president and was blessed by his support along the campaign trail. I know what is in his heart and Sam is a true, full-spectrum conservative who believes in the greatness of American exceptionalism and the founding principles in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution."

Santorum said national political groups were backing less conservative candidates in the primary.

"I have watched this race develop and was not going to get involved, but I feel compelled to more publicly voice my support for Sam because so-called conservative groups in Washington, D.C., have tried to anoint a candidate, Santorum said. Unfortunately, these same groups either don't know the real record, or they are trying to mislead Iowa conservatives about who is the best conservative in this race. Simply put, a voting record that supports tax increases and not showing up for the job the people entrusted you to do are not conservative principles.

"I am fond of Iowa and have gotten to know many Iowans through the years, Santorum added. The one thing that all Iowans appreciate and expect from their politicians is the truth. And the truth is that Sam Clovis is a man of principle who will advance the cause of conservatism and be an outstanding U.S. senator."

Clovis backed Santorum during the 2012 presidential contest. Santorum has left the door open to a second presidential bid in 2016.

Other potential Republican candidates have also placed their bets in Iowa. Gov. Rick Perry of Texas is backing former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker in the Republican primary while U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is supporting Iowa state Sen. Joni Ernst.