The Republican primaries are in full swing and four candidates are campaigning for their chance to become the 45th president of theUnited States. The country is now waiting in anticipation. One of these candidates is Rick Santorum.

While he is the youngest republican candidate, he became involved in politics at an early age. He served in the US House of Representatives forPennsylvaniafor four years and then become a senator forPennsylvaniafor twelve years.

Santorum has gained support for his conservative views.

“I strongly agree with and respect Santorum’s desire for stronger families as the foundation for a better nation and economy,” says senior Kaylee Browder.

As the father of eight children Santorum’s campaign is centered on family. He believes that protecting and providing for family is the most important thing and that the nation will only thrive with strong families. His campaign site states “restoreAmerica’s greatness through faith, family, and freedom.” His campaign caters to the audience of the average middle class families. His key issues focus on the promotion of families by restoring the national economy. He plans to do so by creating jobs with simpler tax codes, repealing “Obamacare”, and passing a balanced budget amendment to limit federal spending.

He also focuses on the conservative values and platforms for his campaign.

Despite being the underdog of the election Santorum has had success in theIowa,Missouri,Minnesota, andColoradoprimaries, and he gained three states in just one day.

ManyChapinHigh Schoolstudents were pleased with Santorum’s success.

“I like Rick Santorum because he seems honest and truly wishes to do what he says unlike most politicians who seem to say whatever they think will get them the most votes at the time,” said junior Eric Wilkins.

Unlike Wilkins, junior Chris Corley is unsure of his leadership.

“He has good ideas, but I think he lacks the fortitude to be a good leader,” said Corley.

Junior Jacob Hofferth also doubts Santorum’s abilities.

“I am a conservative but the fact is he has not acted on the ideals he speaks of. He was voted out of his position inPennsylvaniaand was not a key Republican figure in such a liberal area ofAmerica,” says Hofferth.

The Republican primaries do not end until June 26th, and anything could happen before then. Super Tuesday is on March 6th and it is a key factor in deciding the Republican candidate in this close race because many primaries take place on this day.Alaska,Georgia,Idaho,Massachusetts,North Dakota,Ohio,Oklahoma,Tennessee,Vermont, andVirginiawill all be voting.

With a race this close all candidates have a shot at becoming the republican nominee, thus winning the chance to become the future president of The United States of America.