FORT WORTH -- Maybe Rick Santorum should quit his day job.
Telling stories from the campaign trail, the conservative former presidential candidate drew howls of laughter from Republicans attending the state party's gala banquet Friday night.First he told stories about the time a dog wet his pants while he was on the campaign trail: "You have to soldier on," he said.Then he talked about enduring a hot Pennsylvania day, which at around 91 degrees doesn't come close to some of Texas' warmest summer days.But he brought the house down when a balloon popped near him and he deadpanned: "It missed."In all seriousness, Santorum told the several hundred people gathered for the private banquet that the battle this November between Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama is crucial."The stakes ... are as high as they've ever been," he said. "This is the most important election in our country's history. Big things are at stake. We have to stay focused. We must be successful."Santorum, a former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, again proved that he's a popular draw for Republicans in Texas, where polls once showed him leading Mitt Romney.On Friday, Santorum announced that he will campaign for several candidates this fall, including Romney, and that he will be involved with a new venture -- a conservative group called Patriot Voices. The group's goal is to "mobilize 1 million conservatives around this country who area committed to promoting faith, family, freedom and opportunity," according to the organization's website.He thanked those in the crowd for the warm welcome but said he expects a lot from them."We are asking you to put your honor on the line, because it is," he said during the gathering, which began and ended with a standing ovation.He said he believes that Romney will win in Texas but that Republicans must do more here than just turn out the vote in their own state."You are bigger than the state of Texas," he said. "You can reach farther than the state of Texas -- and you need to."Anna M. Tinsley, 817-390-7610Twitter: @annatinsley
Today's highlights
10 a.m. general session: Remarks from Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn.
2 p.m. general session: Remarks from Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, House Speaker Joe Straus and various state legislators.
6 p.m. gala fundraiser: Speeches by Cornyn, former GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.
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