Santorum visits Washington state as gay marriage bill signed into law

On the campaign trail with Felicia Sonmez

Former senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) brings his campaign to Washington state today – just as Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) is expected to sign into law a measure legalizing same-sex marriage.

Former senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) (Steve Pope/Getty Images)

Reports the Seattle Times:

In his first foray here in advance of the state’s March 3 GOP caucuses, Santorum is planning a 7 p.m. campaign rally Monday at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, according to plans sent by his campaign to state Republican leaders.

Before that, Santorum will meet at an Olympia church with a group of “values voters” opposed to gay marriage. Santorum is also expected to meet with the state House and Senate Republican caucuses, said Kirby Wilbur, state GOP chairman.

The results of the 2008 caucuses in Washington state suggest that Santorum, who is popular among social conservatives, could have a strong showing March 3.

Four years ago, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee (R) took 23 percent to Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) 25 percent in the Washington state caucuses. (That year, the state also allocated many of its delegates through a presidential primary, which McCain swept.)