Focusing on the state that is home to the crucial first presidential primary, on Wednesday former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania named Mike Biundo, a veteran New Hampshire Republican operative, as his national campaign manager.
Biundo, who had been very active in Pat Buchanans presidential bid in 1996 when the conservative commentator upset Bob Dole to win the Granite State, had been serving as Santorums political director, advising the former senator on New Hampshire politics.
"Mike's tireless efforts, superb organizational skills, and commitment to our nation make him the right choice to lead our team, Santorum said in a statement released by his camp on Wednesday. Conservatives in New Hampshire know Mike for these traits and soon the nation will also learn of his great ability to organize a victorious conservative campaign. I am confident that under Mike's guidance and oversight, our team will be such a campaign."
"I am honored that Senator Santorum has placed his confidence in me to lead his team to victory, said Biundo. It has been an incredible pleasure to work with the senator, his family, and his entire team over the past nine months -- and I cannot think of a more diligent and hard-working candidate for which to work for. Senator Santorum has prioritized putting our nation back on the right track above all else and there is no one better suited to lead our nation forward."
Following Tuesday nights debate, Santorum wrapped up a swing through New Hampshire -- the 25th time the former senator has campaigned in the Granite State. After a round of coverage on morning talk-shows, appearing on Fox News, CBS and MSNBC, Santorum participated in a business round table sponsored by the New Hampshire Business Coalition and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday morning. He then spoke to the Family Research Council's marriage rally in Concord before addressing the state House of Representatives later in the day.
Santorum has found some success in straw polls -- taking fourth place in the Iowa Republican straw poll in Ames in August, placing fourth in Presidency 5 in Orlando in September and third in the Values Voters straw poll earlier in the month. Despite that, he has remained in low single digits in most state and national polls, including those surveying New Hampshire. Former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, who placed second in the 2008 primary behind John McCain, has dominated most polls of New Hampshire.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
