Santorum rising

Recent polling data indicate that Rick Santorum is rapidly moving up in the polls as the anti-Romney candidate. Gingrich seems to be losing his edge in that category simply because of his continued mean-spirited attacks, rather than focusing on issues that truly matter.

Romney has permanently damaged himself among independents by destroying his nice-guy image with negativism while not emphasizing his 59-point economic plan. It is rather pathetic that with so many glaring issues facing our diminishing nation, the Republican candidates can find nothing better to do than tear each other down.

Rick Santorum has tried to focus on the issues, and it's now paying dividends for him. If he can resist the urge to engage in the mudslinging, he could emerge as a serious challenger to Romney.