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3) To the horror of Republican political operatives, at one point the
primary became dominated by the issue of contraception – a vote-losing theme
that led to a hemorrhaging of support among women. In an earlier interview
that was replayed constantly Santorum said contraception was “not OK”.
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4) Santorum ferociously attacked Romney after one of the frontrunner’s
aides said the primary campaign was like an “etch-a-sketch”,
suggesting that the relatively moderate former governor was prepared to dump
his conservative promises once the general election started.
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5) After defeat in Illinois, Santorum came under overwhelming pressure
from both the media and the Republican establishment to drop out and make
way for Mitt Romney. Instead he doubled down but at one point lost it with a
New York Times reporter who challenged him at a rope line.