Santorum camp keeps the faith amid long odds

"Rick Santorum has a strong record on cutting taxes. He understands it\'s your money, not the government\'s," said another.

The campaign staff in suburban Knoxville remains focused on getting the message out ahead of "Super Tuesday," a 10-state vote extravaganza which could be pivotal in the Republican race to nominate a candidate to face President Barack Obama in November.

And the Santorum faithful appear undaunted by the long odds in the race, in which former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has been gathering momentum at the expense of the Christian conservative former US senator.

Surrounded by signs saying "Rick Santorum for President," the campaign group worked the phones and ordered pizzas to feed the hungry volunteers ahead of the final push for votes in Tennessee and elsewhere.

"We can win," said Robin Rose, a 54-year-old teacher backing the candidate who has become the favorite of many Christian evangelicals because of his fierce opposition to abortion and gay marriage and his claim of being an authentic conservative.

"People speak about jobs, lack of jobs. But all of them say \'We want to see Obama out of office.\'"

Santorum was running neck-and-neck with Romney in Tennessee, based on recent polls. One survey showed him up five percentage points over Romney, but another had the Mormon ex-governor up by one point. Trailing were former House speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas congressman Ron Paul.

But overall, the situation appeared more difficult for Santorum, who has won three state contests -- four including what amounted to a beauty contest in Missouri -- while Romney has amassed eight, including the last five races.

But Santorum\'s supporters remained fervent, hoping for a miracle that would give their candidate the nomination.

"Thank you so much for voting, have a great day," said a blond-haired, blue-eyed volunteer named Josie, speaking to a potential voter.

"Some are nice, some are too busy," she said of the effort to reach out to voters by phone.

"Rick Santorum has a strong record in controlling illegal immigration. He will work to secure our border," said another caller.

A sign on the wall seeks to motivate the group: "Make the most phone calls and win a personal phone call from Rick himself or a sweater vest."

John Parker, manager of the Santorum office in Knoxville and another one nearby, said the massage was getting out.

"This morning, 2,571 phone calls" to registered Republicans, he said.

"We operate on personal contact," said Parker. "Real people talking to real people, not TV ads. Also because it\'s cheaper."

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