He represented Pennsylvannia in Congress but here's a little known fact - Rick Santorum graduated from Carmel HS in Mundelein in 1980 1978.
His family lived in the area briefly while his father was a physician for Great Lakes Naval Base. One of those who supports Santorum is Al Salvi, also a former Carmel alum, Salvi, who ran unsuccessfully for the US Senate, once served as the State Representative from Evanston between 1992-1996.
"I'm a Santorum delegate" Salvi says. The Illinois pol says he's stayed in close contact with Santorum over the years and plans to support him in his run for president.
The Republican contender hasn't boasted his ties to the Land of Lincoln, but Sunday on Meet the Press he did tie Barack Obama's Iran policy to Chicago politics.
Take a listen to the quip at around 17:30:
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Santorum is enjoying a surge in Iowa during the last week, catching the wave of conservative fervor that helped propel the candidacies of Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich and others.
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The former Pennsylvania Senator is projected to come in third in Iowa behind Mitt Romney and Ron Paul, according to multiple polls.
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