Santorum to North Dakota: Terrorists 'will bother you'
(CNN) - Rick Santorum warned a quiet North Dakota audience Wednesday that their state's booming oil industry positioned the region as a prime target for terrorism.
"Folks, you've got energy here. They're going to bother you. They'll bother you, because you are a very key and strategic resource for this country," the Republican presidential candidate said. "No one is safe. No one is safe from asymmetric threats of terrorism."
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Santorum pointed to Iran as the source behind future terrorist attacks, ramping up his rhetoric on a country he frequently discusses on the campaign trail.
"That's what Iran will be all about unless we stop them from getting that nuclear weapon," Santorum said.
He specifically cited a recent report from National Intelligence Director James Clapper, who indicated in a Congressional hearing that Iran may be willing to sponsor future attacks on U.S. soil.
His comments came the same day Iran unveiled new developments in its nuclear energy program, including its intent to start production of yellowcake, a chemically treated form of uranium ore used for making enriched uranium.
Santorum largely focused his speech at the Tioga Public School Gymnasium on North Dakota energy production, specifically the area's oil-rich shale rock formation known as the Bakken.
The former Pennsylvania senator pledged to eliminate Obama-era rules and regulations that he claims hold the region back form its full potential in oil production.
He also blasted the president for opposing the controversial Keystone pipeline project, which would run through North Dakota and carry crude oil from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast.
"You have a president who's not interested in science. He's interested in politics. Instead of doing something that is in the best interest of creating energy security for our country and economic growth, he plays petty politics and partisan politics and special interest politics," Santorum said.
The appearance was one of three events Santorum was scheduled to hold Wednesday in North Dakota, a state that holds its caucuses on Super Tuesday, March 6.
The state carries 28 total delegates.
Also see:
Gingrich: Santorum 'misunderstands' modern warfare
Santorum slams Obama administration as 'elite snobs'
Romney surrogates attack Santorum's record
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I'm just waiting for him to start talking about "precious bodily fluids" next.
Yellowcake? What a fear-monger!
"You have a president who's not interested in science. He's interested in politics. Instead of doing something that is in the best interest of creating energy security for our country and economic growth, he plays petty politics and partisan politics and special interest politics," I just love this guy. I think i remember him being the one who rejects evolution and climate change. lol
Santorum = Fear Mongering Troglodyte! He's a bigger joke than even Mitt One Percent Romney!
I don't care who the challenger turns out to be........just give us anybody but the complete failure Barry Obama(or whatever his name is these days).
More fear-mongering from the Repubs. Like W's nonexistent WMDs. Basically they are acting like 1930s fascists.
@CO – – I agree w/ You – However, You forgot one – Cain, – remember him ?
I'd say he probably would be : Cain went down because of all the extra curricular women in his life
Please stop bashing santorum!!!!! He is a perfect fit for the republicans!!!! You go rick!!!! We look forward to a great debate in the general election!!!! Hee hee
Obama 12
This guy is a nut and the ppl that voted for him is a bunch of fools. Now this guy is a devil in a vest.