Santorum Moves Toward Pres. Bid

Antigay former U.S. senator Rick Santorum reports he is pleasantly surprised with progress he's making toward a Republican presidential bid in 2012 -- particularly among Iowa Republicans.

According to The Des Moines Register, which interviewed Santorum this week, "He is 'very encouraged' -- and somewhat surprised -- by the reception Iowa Republicans have given him."

Santorum appears poised to make a serious play in the state's pivotal 2012 caucuses, having visited Iowa four times, more than any other prospective Republican presidential candidate, according to the Register.

"I sort of feel in some respects I'm being pulled along in this," said Santorum. "I'm still seriously going through this process. And at this point I'm very encouraged by everything that's happening."

In 2003, Santorum gave an interview to the Associated Press prior to the Lawrence v. Texas decision that overturned the country's remaining sodomy laws. He compared gay sex to bigamy, polygamy, incest and adultery. The remarks resulted in a contest by syndicated sex columnist Dan Savage to give an alternative definition to "santorum."