Santorum attends church, greets voters in Tupelo

by Emily Le Coz/NEMS Daily Journal Djournal.Com

Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum visits diners at Sweet Peppers Deli, Sunday, March 11, 2012, in Tupelo. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

slideshow TUPELO ? Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum worshiped in Tupelo on Sunday before shaking hands with a throng of supporters at Sweet Peppers Deli.

Accompanied by incumbent congressional candidate and U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee, R-Miss., Santorum and his wife, Karen, attended service at Calvary Baptist Church. Nunnelee's wife, Tori, also attended service. It's the couple's regular place of worship.

Their presence was low-key but earned a mention from the Rev. David Eldridge, who publicly welcomed the Santorums and praised the candidate's religious convictions on the campaign trail. He also said the congregation would pray for him.

Afterward, the two families and their entourage of campaign staffers and Secret Service agents stopped for lunch at Peppers on West Main Street.

Hundreds of people crammed the restaurant for a glimpse of the presidential candidate and former Pennsylvania senator. Tupelo police officers and firefighters were camped outside the building.

Among the well wishers was Tishomingo resident Leslie Whitlock who traveled just to see Santorum. She considered herself undecided in the presidential primary until meeting Santorum. Now he'll get her vote.

"It's nice he took the time to talk to everybody and pose for pictures," Whitlock said. " I really like him and his wife."

Tupelo resident Jason Darnell said Santorum is the only presidential candidate who has remained consistently conservative during the campaign.

"He's pro-life, he has strong social values," Darnell said. "He's a family man."

Santorum spent about an hour at Peppers shaking hands and chatting with patrons. He then took media questions and filmed a brief spot for Fox News.

The candidate called Mississippi a critical state in the campaign and said he stands a good chance of winning it.

"People in Mississippi will vote for conservative values," Santorum said. "I offer a stark contrast to Obama."

Santorum faces former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, in Tuesday's GOP presidential primary.

Mississippi has 40 delegates to award.

Source: http://nems360.com/bookmark/17837391

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