Santorum becomes first to commit to a presidential debate

Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) is the first potential 2012 presidential candidate to commit to a May 5 debate in the critical early state of South Carolina.

Santorum confirmed his participation Friday and urged other rumored contenders to do the same.

{mosads}”I look forward to participating in the debate process that will allow
me to share my views on the issues of the day as well as my vision for
the future of our country,” Santorum said in a statement. “And I hope
others considering a run will also commit to this important debate in
South Carolina.”

The debate is a joint effort of Fox News, which suspended Santorum as a contributor last month as he weighs a presidential run, and the South Carolina Republican Party.

The state traditionally holds the first Southern presidential primary contest, and is always a critical early battleground in the race for the GOP nomination. 

Santorum’s debate commitment comes as he’s back in South Carolina for two stops Friday and Saturday. The Republican is meeting with college Republicans at Furman University Friday afternoon and will keynote a county GOP convention Saturday. It marks Santorum’s thirteenth visit to South Carolina.