Rick Santorum Suspends His Historic Presidential Campaign, Begins Next Chapter

At 2:22 p.m. the candidate stepped up to the microphone at the platform in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and announced that he was suspending his 2012 presidential campaign

After the speech the political pundits immediately began to speculate about the implications of the suspension on the 2012 Race. In addition, they began what will most certainly  become a steady stream of speculation about the future of this gifted and good man. I do not think there is much to speculate about. This is not the last political speech of Rick Santorum. With this speech he simply suspended his 2012 presidential campaign. He also began the next chapter of his life of service to God and Country. Stay tuned.

P>GETTYSBURG, PA (Catholic Online) - What was supposed to be Senator Santorum's return to the campaign trail became a major announcement on Tuesday, April 10, 2012.. The sense grew as the day progressed that this was going to be a speech signaling the suspension of his Presidential campaign. It had moved from a political function, open to the public, to a Press Conference. The event was surrounded with speculation as the day progressed.

At 2:22 p.m. the candidate stepped up to the microphone at the platform in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and announced that he was suspending his 2012 presidential campaign. To his right stood his loving and dedicated wife Karen - and her expression said it all. She is an extraordinary woman, a lawyer, NICU Nurse, author, mother and Rick's best friend. However, she is also a woman who shows her heart. Surrounding them both were several of their beautiful children.

Rick Santorum recounted the story of Good Friday in the Santorum home. He called it a "Passion Play of sorts". Their little three year old daughter Bella was hospitalized. She has Trisomy 18 and is a living miracle. She has also won the hearts of millions during this campaign. Her little smile and serene presence fills you with joy when you are with her. She is the little princess in that wonderful family. She is also one of the greatest witnesses to the beauty and dignity of every human life I have met.

Like millions, I rejoiced when I received word that on Monday night that Bella had been released and was back home. However, the Senator acknowledged that the latest experience had caused he and his wife to think seriously about the direction they needed to take. They   spent Easter weekend in prayer and reflection. They made the decision to suspend his Presidential campaign around the kitchen table.

It was the same kitchen table where they made the decision to enter the race. They did so he said because they knew they wanted their children - all of America's children - to inherit a Nation filled with the promise that made America great. They knew that dream was threatened. So, they began what he called the "improbable run" of this campaign. 

Acknowledging his gratitude to all who had helped the campaign and with his wife holding back tears, Rick Santorum gave a deeply moving speech. He affirmed once again that the strength of the Nation is found in the American family. Surrounded by the backdrop of his family, the message was visually demonstrated and profound.  Rick and Karen Santorum walk the talk.

The candidate reminisced about this extraordinary and historic run for President. He called it a campaign run "against all odds". He joyfully recounted his travels across the Nation. He spoke with palpable affection of his encounters with the goodness of America affirming that it is revealed in her people.

He noted 'there is a lot of greatness in America" - and he is right. He reminded the whole Nation that we need leaders who recognize that greatness found in the people of America and are able to call it forth. His sincerity once again reminded me why I felt so strongly about his candidacy. I found myself holding back tears.

Finally, Rick Santorum thanked God and all who made what he called this "hope filled campaign" possible through their dedication and sacrifice. He spoke, as he always does, of the "moral enterprise called America". He quoted Lincoln and the Declaration of Independence and with rhetorical flourish reminded us all that this Nation was "conceived in liberty". This was Rick Santorum at his best.

After the speech the political pundits immediately began to speculate about the implications of the suspension on the 2012 Race. In addition, they began what will most certainly  become a steady stream of speculation about the future of this gifted and good man.

I do not think there is much to speculate about. This is not the last political speech of Rick Santorum. With this speech he simply suspended his 2012 presidential campaign. He also began the next chapter of his life of service to God and Country. 

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