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CABOT, Pa. (AP) — Former Sen. Rick Santorum is launching his 2016 presidential campaign with a pledge to fight for American workers. But the conservative Republican has also touched on social issues.
Santorum said today that Americans should pray for a spiritual revival "to heal our land," and he vowed to fight for religious rights that can be lived out in daily life, not just inside houses of worship.
While he didn't directly mention gay marriage or abortion, Santorum said children have a "birthright" to be raised by their parents in healthy homes.
The former Pennsylvania senator is considered a longshot in a crowded Republican field. But he told supporters, "With your help and God's grace we can change this nation."
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282-w-32-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum)--Former Senator Rick Santorum has launched his 2016 presidential campaign with a pledge to fight for American workers. But AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman says the conservative Republican also touched on social issues. (27 May 2015)
<<CUT *282 (05/27/15)££ 00:32
283-a-09-(Former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., in speech declaring his 2016 presidential candidacy)-"heal our land"-Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum says the nation needs God's help. ((longer version of cut used in wrap)) (27 May 2015)
<<CUT *283 (05/27/15)££ 00:09 "heal our land"
284-a-16-(Former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., in speech declaring his 2016 presidential candidacy)-"of worship too (applause fades)"-Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum says he'll fight for religious rights. ((longer version of cut used in wrap)) (27 May 2015)
<<CUT *284 (05/27/15)££ 00:16 "of worship too (applause fades)"
286-a-08-(Former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., in speech declaring his 2016 presidential candidacy)-"change this nation (applause fades)"-Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum says he's in the race to win it. ((cut used in wrap)) (27 May 2015)
<<CUT *286 (05/27/15)££ 00:08 "change this nation (applause fades)"
285-a-13-(Former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., in speech declaring his 2016 presidential candidacy)-"and the unborn (applause fades)"-Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum says he'll be a champion for human rights. (27 May 2015)
<<CUT *285 (05/27/15)££ 00:13 "and the unborn (applause fades)"
257-a-18-(Former Senator Rick Santorum, R-Pa., at campaign rally to launch his 2016 presidential bid)-"the United States (cheers)"-Former Senator Rick Santorum announces his candidacy for president. ((note length of cut)) (27 May 2015)
<<CUT *257 (05/27/15)££ 00:18 "the United States (cheers)"
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