Santorum received a primetime speaking slot at the 2012 Republican National Convention . He was originally slated to speak early in the evening , but convention organizers moved him to 9 pm with the other highly anticipated speakers of the evening , Ann Romney and convention keynote Chris Christie . Santorum spoke of the American dream his immigrant grandfather worked to give his family , and said Obama was turning the dream into a nightmare . He talked about his experiences on the presidential campaign trail , speaking with emotion about his daughter Bella and meeting disabled people and their families . He emphasized the importance of strengthening marriage and the family . He also condemned Obama 's actions on the welfare reform law , of which he was one of the chief proponents in Congress , and his actions on education , including school choice and student loans . Santorum concluded his speech to a standing ovation , saying , In June 2012 , Santorum launched Patriot Voices , a 501 ( c ) ( 4 ) nonprofit with a mission to " mobilize conservatives around this country who are committed to promoting faith , family , freedom and opportunity " in support of causes and candidates across the country . Santorum supported U.S. Senate candidates Ted Cruz in Texas and Richard Mourdock in Indiana in their respective Republican primaries ; both won . In the general elections , Patriot Voices endorsed eight U.S. Senate candidates and four House candidates . In Iowa 's 2012 retention elections Santorum lent support to the " NO Wiggins " effort to oust Iowa Supreme Court Justice David Wiggins , who they say promulgated a personal political agenda in the court . They have also been vocal in opposition to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities , which they say threatens parental rights and U.S. sovereignty
2012 Republican National Convention
2012 Republican National Convention
Rick Santorum