(CNN) - If Mitt Romney becomes the Republican presidential nominee, rival Rick Santorum would not rule out the idea of becoming his running mate, the former Pennsylvania senator said in an interview on Monday.
Asked by the Christian Broadcasting Network if he would consider a vice presidential offer, Santorum said he would do everything he could to help the country.
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"Of course. I mean, look. I would do in this race as I always say, this is the most important race in our country's history. I'm going to do everything I can. I'm doing everything I can."
Backing up his point, Santorum pointed to his dedication to the campaign, saying he's only had five days off in the last 10 months.
"I've been working every single day. My wife and my kids, we're just busting our tail, because we know their future and all of our children's future is at stake in this election," he said.
Asked again if he was "keeping his options open" for a VP spot, Santorum did not shoot down the notion.
"I'll do whatever is necessary to help our country," Santorum said.
His comment marked a pivot away from his increased rhetoric against Romney in recent days.
On Sunday, Santorum took heat for calling Romney the "worst Republican" to nominate against President Barack Obama when health care policy is factored in. And last week, the former senator heavily walked back a comment in which he said Americans would be better off with Obama winning a second term than Romney being elected to the White House.
Also see:
Santorum: Romney 'worst Republican' to run against Obama
From CNN Politics
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Sorry dude. They're going to pick on the same criteria that McCain's campaign used: what demographics do we really need to try to court?
They'll be picking Rubio, who will spend the months leading up to November blathering about hispanic issues and accusing Obama/Biden of reverse racism.
Wrong answer, Rick Santorum. You should have said, "I am running to be POTUS."
hahahahahahaha right next to the article were Santorum calls Mitt Rom the worse pick, is another article that says he is open to being his VP. Classic theological thinking for you.
Running mates? Ha! That will be a sight to see. It sounds like a joke: a mormon and a catholic are surrounded by minors. Which one inappropraitely touches the minor first?
They better not pick Rubio. that huy does not represent the hispanic voters at all. He is nothing but, a Cuban and reality he would not represent the hispanis. So, romney better think of someone else, and some one much better.
>> "I'll do whatever is necessary to help our country," Santorum said.
Then stop running for office!
Romney should not stoop that low to even consider this clown.
In november I will participate in an electionnight in Amsterdam and get an American breakfast afterwards.
I cant wait to see Barack elected again!
Go Barack!
The only thing important about this race is that Republicans learn to pick better candidates and not act like petulant fools.
That would be a great ticket. Romney/TDB VP will lose by 6 points to Obama in the General. With Santorum in the Veep slot, they'll lose by 12.
Dumb and Dumber, the sequel. I needed a good laugh on this Monday!!
Saw this one coming a mile away.
If the ticket becomes Romney and Santorum, my "Celebrate President Barrack Hussein Obama's Election" victory party will be that night. Why wait for November? It's a done deal.!!!!
Ted Van Toi-I'll join you, I ilike the American pancake place near the Melkweig, that has the great breakfasts.
In the nightmare scenario where Rom-money taps Sanctimonious, and they actually get elected, I wonder how well Mittens would sleep at night, knowing that Little Ricky would be close enough to slip a little vial of something into his cobb salad?
Wrong pick, Santorum is a "light weight" and Romney has already called him out as one.
Well Ricky, don't worry yourself over that issue because Willard won't get that far. In November WE THE PEOPLE will send Willard back to his cult presiding over dead bodies. Perhaps you can help him with that.
The most important race in history?? Really?? Could it be you don't want the people to know a black man is doing a better job than any of you idiots?
@snifit.....it's not reverse racism......there is no such thing. Racism is Racism. But in response to the article, no way that happens, Santorum is trying to save face and possibly get a radio or TV spot in future.
Saint Orem as Romney's VP candidate. The only thing better would be if Romney chose Palin, Bachmann or Gingrich as VP.
The VP candidate is going to have to be somebody that has not been involved in the bloodbath the Republicans are conducting now. Any of the fools that have been raked across the coals during this election process is too tainted to be elected or to help Romney get elected.
Haha...on the same day as he calls Romney the worst candidate, he's fine with being his VP. A real credible guy
So after Rick Santorum says that you might as well vote for Obama over Romney, now he wants to be Romneys VP? It sounds like Rick Santorum will do and say ANYTHING to get into office... on second though, maybe Romney and Santorum would make a good partnership.
Ricko has seen his "Mene, Mene, Tekel Peres" and realizes the survival of a snowball in anywhere but the 9th circle of Hades has a better opportunity than his own chances for the nomination. Watch his rhetoric against Romney start to wind down and his rhetoric against the President escalate. Ricko will be Willard's new wing man so Ron Paul doesn't have to play that role any more.