Vote 2012: Santorum Declares 'Game On' in Close Iowa Race

Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum addresses the 2012 Republican Presidential Candidates Forum hosted by the Republican Jewish Coalition, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in Washington. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

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By Belinda Yeung

Story Created: Jan 4, 2012 at 12:54 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 4, 2012 at 12:54 AM CDT

URBANDALE, Iowa (AP) — With the words "Game on," Republican presidential hopeful Santorum thanked God and his supporters as he vowed to press ahead with the same conservative themes that put him in contention to win Iowa's caucuses.

The former Pennsylvania senator's late surge propelled him into a seesaw battle with Mitt Romney for the top spot in the leadoff Iowa caucuses with more than 90 percent of precincts reporting.

The GOP campaign makes the turn to primaries in New Hampshire on Jan. 10, then to South Carolina and Florida before the end of January.

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