(Image source: The New York Times )

 

BY ZACH TOOMBS

 

Rick Santorum’s exit from the GOP primary race Tuesday left several questions — about the candidate’s political future and about a potential endorsement. The Boston Globe notes:  

 

“Rick Santorum uttered many kind words during his exit speech Tuesday afternoon, but not one was directed at Mitt Romney … Romney said Monday on Mike Huckabee’s radio show that he believed Santorum would offer support, if Romney secured the nomination.”

 

CNN spoke with a Santorum spokesman, who says endorsing Romney is “not inevitable.” Jim Acosta reports an endorsement from Santorum would help bring prominent sections of the GOP electorate behind Romney in November.

 

“That is a pretty big predicament for the Romney campaign. They want Rick Santorum in his corner. He would be key in terms of lining up evangelical conservatives, Christian conservatives behind the Romney campaign. They need Rick Santorum.”

 

And it did not take long for pundits to speculate on a 2016 Santorum run. The Washington Post says the former candidate has a few options.

 

“He could certainly follow the path trod by Huckabee, setting himself up as a leading conservative commentator. Or, Santorum could begin organizing for a return presidential bid ... And, given the surprising strength of his candidacy this time around, he would likely be viewed as a serious and credible candidate.”

 

Because Santorum suspended his campaign, rather than officially ending it, he can still raise funds. U.S. News says those funds will be much needed.

 

“Rick Santorum's presidential campaign is over, but he is still asking for your support — specifically, your monetary support … In (a) post, he vows to remain as a voice for conservatives, but he also explains that he is in some serious need of cash to pay back debts.”

 

According to OpenSecrets.org , Santorum’s campaign held $922,000 in debt at the end of February.