Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum is campaigning for a major promotion. The Republican is hoping for the Republican presidential nomination. He brought his campaign message to Platteville on Saturday, three days prior to the state's Republican primary, which was held April 3 (following press time). Santorum is trailing frontrunner Mitt Romney in the number of delegates needed to clinch the nomination; however, he plans to continue his campaign regardless of the outcome in Wisconsin.
Santorum took to the stage at Pioneer Lanes in Platteville on Saturday. He was greeted by more than 100 supporters, who were eager to see a presidential candidate in person, a rarity for Platteville.
Santorum touched on a variety of issues including healthcare, the Supreme Court, Romney, family values, energy policy, the economy, and others. "What's at stake in this election is something fundamental...the relationship between the people and their government," said Santorum. "It's really, freedom is at stake."
"We need to have a candidate who can go out and take it to Barack Obama, make him and his failed policies, the issue in this campaign," said Santorum. "Barack Obama's key to success, if you listen to him talking about how many more people are helped with government programs. I'm not looking for success based upon how much people are helped by government programs. Success is how fewer people are helped by government programs because they are helping themselves."
Santorum said Wisconsin has been ground zero for politics over the last year, most notably at the state level and the upcoming recall election for Gov. Scott Walker.
Following his speech, Santorum talked with individual supporters, signed autographs and posed for pictures. He also took some time out to enjoy one of his favorite past times, bowling. The former senator bowled one game alongside his son John, staff members, and local community members. His first throw was a strike.

Editor's note: Santorum was defeated by Romney in Tuesday's Republican primary.