Rick Santorum Takes a Step Toward Running in 2016

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., placed second behind former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., in the 2012 Republican primaries and there are signs in recent days that he, like his former rival, has his eyes on another bid in 2016.

Despite winning 11 contests in 2012, including the Iowa caucus, Santorum often encountered fundraising woes during his presidential campaign. On Tuesday, Santorum looked to ensure that would not sink him in 2016 by announcing his finance team for his Patriot Voices PAC.

Santorum is turning to Nadine Maenza for help, who worked for him, Romneys 2008 presidential bid, the late U.S. Sen. John Heinz, R-Pa., the Pennsylvania GOP and the Republican National Committee (RNC). Maenza is not the only former Romney hand joining the Santorum team. Former U.S. Assistant Labor Secretary Rob Bickhart will be Patriot Voices finance director after serving in the same post at the RNC and as deputy finance director for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). Bickhart helped out Romney in 2008 and 2012. Roy Jones, the former chief development officer for conservative evangelical Liberty University, also joined the PAC.

"I am excited to announce the addition of Roy Jones and Rob Bickhart to our growing national team to complement the successful fundraising efforts of Patriot Voices Executive Director Nadine Maenza," Santorum said on Tuesday. "Nadine, Rob, and Roy will play a crucial role in ensuring we have the resources necessary to be a leader in the coming national debate, particularly as we tackle challenges confronting blue-collar families across this country. Their years of experience in raising hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of clients will be an intangible asset to our organization in the weeks and months to come."