Rick Santorum - United States Senator, Pennsylvania



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  • Why is Pennsylvania a Commonwealth?

    Four of the fifty U.S. States (Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) are designated as commonwealths rather than states. The term "commonwealth" is of British origin and refers to the common "weal" or well-being of the public. It was used during the 17th Century in the same sense that we use the term state today. The four states designated as commonwealths are functionally the same as all the other states that do not have the commonwealth designation. They are considered "states" in all instances where the role of states is addressed in the U.S. Constitution. Commonwealth and state are now used interchangeably.
  • Was Senator Santorum in the Armed Forces?

    Although I have not personally served in our Armed Forces, I am proud to say that both my mother and father devoted their careers to serving the health needs of America’s veteran community. Both were employed in Veterans’ Affairs hospitals, which serve veterans in community-based clinics, where care is provided in an outpatient setting. In 1973, following the Vietnam War, the military draft was ended in favor of an all-volunteer force. The all-volunteer force has functioned effectively since its inception, and today the United States’ Armed Forces are widely considered to be the best-trained and best-equipped military in the world. I continue to support an all-volunteer force as the most effective means of maintaining a strong and effective military. As a former member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, I have had the opportunity to receive first-hand testimony from members of our Armed Forces who advocate strongly an all-volunteer force. I support this method as the best way to defend America and to protect our national security interests.
  • Who is Senator Santorum’s Favorite President?

    Who is my favorite President? This is a very difficult question because America has been blessed with great leaders throughout our history. From the earliest Presidents who founded our country, such as Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison, to 20th Century Presidents like Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, different Chief Executives have brought their own unique qualities to America’s highest government office. If I had to name a favorite President, I would select Abraham Lincoln. While others had great accomplishments, President Lincoln guided America through our nation’s most grave crisis, the Civil War. A less determined, skilled, and visionary leader might not have been able to preserve the Union while also correcting the Constitution’s fundamental flaw by abolishing slavery. Although Lincoln was elected President with less than a majority of the vote, he overcame public skepticism with his powerful oratory and strong leadership. In his personal life, Abraham Lincoln was a man with strong principles and an unshakable faith in a higher power. In my estimation, all of these qualities and accomplishments mark Abraham Lincoln as our greatest President.
  • Does Senator Santorum Like Sports?

    Participating in all types of athletic activities is certainly one of my favorite hobbies. I play tennis three times a week before work. I have also played in several Congressional Baseball Games, a bipartisan charity event in which Members of the House and Senate participate annually. Another one of my favorite sports that I enjoy playing is golf. While I don't get to play very often, I sometimes get invited to play for charity events. I continue to be an avid sports fan and consider myself very fortunate to have several home state teams to follow throughout their respective seasons. I am proud to serve in the home state of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles, as well as the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies. Pennsylvania is also home to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers as well as the Philadelphia 76ers. As a graduate of Penn State University (B.A.-1980), University of Pittsburgh (M.B.A.-1981), and Dickinson School of Law (J.D.-1986), I am a huge fan of collegiate athletics. Pennsylvania has a rich history in a wide diversity of sporting events. Pennsylvania is also home to Pocono Raceway, which traditionally hosts NASCAR series races. We also lay claim to Smarty Jones, the horse from Philadelphia that came close to winning the Triple Crown in 2004.

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