Santorum backs Ore. underdog for Senate

Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) has endorsed Oregon state Rep. Jason Conger (R) in his Senate primary bid against Dr. Monica Wehby (R), the establishment favorite.

“Jason Conger represents all that is great about this country,” Santorum said. “He went from homelessness to Harvard and he has what it takes to make a real, conservative difference in the U.S. Senate. He has been a passionate leader in the Oregon House fighting for the unborn, healthcare reform, tax cuts and increasing educational opportunities for children.”

Santorum has also cut a radio ad for Conger ahead of next Tuesday’s primary.

The endorsement is the second in as many days where the former presidential candidate bucked the GOP establishment to back an underdog in a Senate race; he endorsed former radio host Sam Clovis (R) in Iowa’s Senate race on Wednesday.

National Republicans hope Wehby wins the primary — she’s led in a few public polls of the race — believing she might be able to give Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) a tough run if she wins. Conger has been running to her right.