Former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum told senior political writer for Breitbart News Mathew Boyle that he plans on making an announcement on May 27 in a small town just north of Pittsburgh, a few miles away from where he grew up.
Presumably, the announcement, scheduled at a manufacturing facility–a cherished symbol of the blue collar conservatism that the two term senator champions—will be that Santorum is running for president of the United States in 2016.
In 2012, Santorum ran for president as a social conservative. Although he won eleven states, including the Iowa caucus, and came in second overall, he eventually lost the primary election to Mitt Romney, who was looked on as a man of the wealthy rather than a man of the workers.
Santorum, appearing on Breitbart News Sunday on Sirius XM Patriot radio, channel 125, told guest host Boyle that he believes America can get back manufacturing jobs.
He outlined a five point strategy to resuscitate manufacturing in America:
First, cutting corporate tax rates. Second, limiting regulations on business that he contends are “onerous” thanks to the Obama administration. Third, America needs to keep its energy costs low, especially when it comes to natural gas. Fourth, Santorum explained we need our trade laws to open up opportunities for America to ship its products unencumbered by tariffs. Also, we must guarantee foreign countries are complying with our trade laws. Finally, America needs those who don’t go to college to receive specialized training so that manufacturers get the workforce they need.
Boyle asked the senator what his thoughts were on the current Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement that President Obama, some Democrats, and establishment Republicans are advocating. Santorum said that he generally is in favor of free trade, but will not vote for just “any” trade agreement. “I did not vote for NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)” he emphasized.
“I reserve the right to desist, to make sure we are negotiating deals that remain in the best interest of our American workers and our country,” Santorum insisted. “That’s what bothers me about this trade deal. We are trusting someone who is not worthy of trust. This president has clearly betrayed the American people on most occasions. For example, we all remember his Obamacare mantra that ‘you can keep your healthcare insurance if you want to.’ I would not give this president a free hand on the agreement, because he has not proven to be reliable or trustworthy. ”
Boyle pressed further on the TPP, asking what the senator thought of the so-called “living agreement,” which means that any country can be added to the agreement without the consent of congress and at the sole discretion of the President.
“You know I’m not a believer in a “living constitution;” the Constitution should be interpreted by what it says, the trade agreement should be treated the same way. We don’t pass living laws… That’s what this president likes. He doesn’t like having to go to congress. The president would rather do things unilaterally. Congress should have its say when it comes to any substantive change to any agreement.”
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