I know this question sounds strange to most of the Kossacks but I want to think that he might not run for reelection in 06.
We know that Santorum have presidential aspirations. It is no news to anyone. What better way to run for president (for a sitting US Sentaor) than winning a reelection for a third term in a swing state?
There is a very good reason he might skip another run and its name is Bob Casey Jr. Everybody agrees that if Casey runs against Santorum the race goes to the 'possible dem pickup' category.
If Santorum runs for reelection and loses the race his presidential campaign will be dead even before started. So, soon he'll have to take a look at his prospects again. He will either have to accept this battle and risk everything or just say
"12 years are enough - I am running for president" and save himself the embarrassment of being defeated.
But if he drops after Casey Jr. announces his run it will be viewed as cowardness and a very bad PR for his presidential campaign. So, he'll have to do it before Casey announces.
I don't know when he will announce but it is not likely to be soon. I mean the guy was just sworn as a treasurer... So, I think it is unlikely to happen in the first half of the year. Which gives Santorum less than 6 months to drop out of the race.
Do you agree/disagree with me? Are there any indications he might drop?