Democratic Light? - Facing Tough Race, Santorum Moderates.

Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) has recently made a series of gestures toward the center as he gears up for a tough reelection race against a moderate Democrat. For one of Capitol Hill's most ardent conservatives, the adjustment has been pronounced enough that the liberal American Prospect sarcastically referred to him as a "man of the people."

Pennsylvania went for John F. Kerry last year, and Santorum is likely to face State Treasurer Robert P. Casey Jr., a Democrat who opposes abortion. Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean has called Santorum the party's top target for this election cycle, and told reporters this week that Democrats will do "anything we can" to defeat him in 2006. A recent poll showed Santorum and Casey running even.

(4-2-05, The Washington Post.)