His race against state Treasurer Bob Casey, a Democrat, is the most competitive in the nation, Santorum said, and the Lehigh Valley is a key swing area where he needs strong support.

"I believe this is the battleground that is going to win or lose this election, and I believe a lot's at stake," Santorum said. "This is a race that matters for the future of our country."

The Saturday afternoon rally at the Bethlehem Township Community Center was his third campaign event in the region in recent months, he said.

Santorum and supporters, including former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey, emphasized Santorum's strong support for the Iraq war and federal tax cuts and his strong opposition to abortion and gay marriage.

A statewide poll released Thursday gave Casey an 11-point lead over Santorum, 48 to 37 percent.

Forks Township resident Nancy Fitzgerald, who attended the rally with her husband, Tom, said she had considered voting for Casey because he, like Santorum, is pro-life.

"He has some of the values of life, but he's not true to the core, and I think Rick is sincere," she said.

Hanover Township resident Mary Diggs said she supports Santorum because her greatest concern is taxes.

"When the Democrats get into power, they just blow it," she said.

Six other Lehigh Valley residents expressed their support for Santorum as part of the hour-long rally. They included a father of five from Easton, a college student from DeSales University in Allentown and the wife of a former U.S. Army colonel from Bethlehem.

"Our troops need politicians who are going to support them," said Irene Follweiler, whose husband, James, unsuccessfully ran for Bethlehem City Council last year.

Santorum said he supports continued military efforts in Iraq.

"If we cut and run, (terrorists) will look at the American public and the American people and say we got them again," he said. 

By Lynn Olanoff, Express Times, Apr 9, 2006

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