(CNN) - Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum hinted Monday he may see another presidential run in his future.
"I'm open to that possibility," the Republican said when asked on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" about a 2016 White House bid.
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"But we're a long way..." he added, pausing, then continuing, "I'm focused right now on trying to stay involved in the fray and make sure that we do the right thing up on Capitol Hill right now."
Santorum proved a tough opponent to Mitt Romney during the Republican presidential primary, ultimately forcing the contest to run as late as April when Santorum dropped his bid and paved the way for Romney to clinch the nomination.
Since then, the social conservative launched a nonprofit group, "Patriot Voices," which advocates conservative causes and backs conservative candidates. The former senator also has maintained an active role as a political commentator and was an occasional surrogate for Romney during the campaign.
Santorum said Monday he was also focused on the Republican Party's inner debate about its future, adding that he wants to make sure "that we're going to be very active and engaged and stick to America's founding principles."
The former senator first told The Weekly Standard on Monday that he was "open" to another run.
His comments come one day after another 2012 Republican presidential hopeful said he hasn't ruled out a possible bid. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Sunday he has "no idea at this stage" whether he'll make another attempt at the Oval Office.
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Sanctimonious Santorum/Newter Gingrich (in whichever order you want)......the dream ticket...for Democrats. Either of these clowns in ANY position in 2016 is a guaranteed Democrat win
Good news for Dems Rick.
Rick needs to get off his self righteous religious high horse if he ever hopes to win in a general election. The electorate is just about sick of the GOP's social agenda.
It would be fun to watch Santorum burn in another primary fight. He'd have been the best to have a contrast with Obama. The problem is that he'd lose the independants that are out there because he is too far on the right.
Santorum said Monday ... that he wants to make sure "that we're going to be very active and engaged and stick to America's founding principles."
Rick, I'm pretty sure that one of those founding principles wasn't to start a presidential campaign three weeks after the election. For the sake of everyone involved, please give it a rest, for about three years.
You don't have a snowball's chance in hell Santorum.
Why on earth would you run again? You washed out the last time and the one who rose to the top of the pack was rejected by the majority of the voting public. However, if you must, remember, a coalition of assorted voter put President Obama back in the White House. That will be the new standard. The same old same old won't work anymore, if America is luck.
Excellent idea Mr Santorum. Just what the GOP needs, someone to run sharply to the right of Gov. Romney. I am sure that the Democratic party will welcome your candidacy with open arms.
Google "Santorum". The definition says it all...
Please run and win the Republican nomination, Rick. Hillary will defeat you in the biggest landslide of all time!!!
LMAO! Of course he is. SOP for retread repuke loozers. Just look at Romney. LOL!
Don't bother, Rick, America is even less ready for you than they were for Mitt Romney. Save your time and money.
Rick Santorum , The lights are on but nobody's home.
"I'm open to that possibility," the Republican said when asked on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" about a 2016 White House bid.
I'm sure Sarah Palin feels the same way. Fortunately the American people are not in a hurry to return back towards a pre renaissance era of enlightenment .
You'll never be POTUS Santorum. The last thing we need is you shoving your religious beliefs down our throats! Women and minorities would go back to the dark ages with you at the helm. No thanks!
After an election which was effectively issueless, I can't think of a better match up for a real election over different philosophies than Biden vs. Santorum. If Clinton declines to run, Biden will be the nominee, and Santorum has the Republican runner-up charm working for him. Santorum is everything I hate about our political system, Biden is most of what I love. After two center-right candidates ignoring the real issues, I'd welcome an actual contest of ideas.
No thanks, Santorum. You had your shot. You're a crazy, right-wing, neo-con who wants to foist his religion/values/morals down our throats.
In a related comment, Santorum said he was open to having his fanny handed to him ...
This two bit clown is up for anything, especially if it lives his pocket.
HAHAHAHAHA
Best laugh I have had all day.
Oh YEAH! That will be the real ticket: Santorum for president, Palin for VP!!
Bring it on!
Wow- another right wing conservative waiting in the wings for a another go at it- really? One thing is for sure – they won't ever be making their home in the house that holds the West Wing. Can't wait to see the Vegas odds on this guy again.
Oh Lord – we have to see that face and listen to all that hypocrisy for 4 more years. He's a reject – guess he'll have to be a 2-time loser to figure it out (like RMoney).
Losers losers losers losers losers.
Santorum?
OK. Let's make the Republican position about:
1. Birth Control!
2. Abortion!
3. Whatever the PEDOPHILE protecting POPE wants it to be.....
I am a Republican AND a student of history.
Of the founding fathers... Jefferson and Adams disagreed about almost every thing... There is ONE thing that they agreed on was: The only thing that could destroy our Republic is: The Catholic Church!
For the last couple of centuries, people did not really understand what the meant by that....
Now, we know.
After Santorum......
Cue the liberal insults and name calling....
Obama versus Romney? I vote Romney.
Obama versus McCain? I vote McCain.
Obama versus Palin? I vote Palin.
Obama versus a dog? I vote for the dog. (I like dogs)
Obama versus Santorum? I vote for Obama!
Am I extreme? Maybe.... but I am not alone.