Even when Rick Santorum surprised in Iowa, he was never considered a top contender because he never really budged in the national polls. But there is no doubting that Rick is a contender now after sweeping three states last week.

But now something incredible is happening. There were two national polls yesterday that showed Santorum now second to Romney in one and in a virtual tie for first. But the really interesting thing was the dailies on those polls showed a huge momentum shift toward Rick in the past few days. And now comes this bombshell.

Riding a wave of momentum from his trio of victories on Tuesday Rick Santorum has opened up a wide lead in PPP’s newest national poll. He’s at 38% to 23% for Mitt Romney, 17% for Newt Gingrich, and 13% for Ron Paul.

A fifteen point lead! Now it is one poll and PPP, but you couple that with the other polls and it is easy to conclude that we have a new frontrunner in this race.

Rick Santorum!

Again, I think that the Obamacare mandate’s unconstitutional power grab and violation of fundamental religious liberty reminded Republicans and Conservatives exactly what is at stake in this election and made fresh all the emotion and frustration of 2009.

It will be interesting to see if these numbers can hold up and Santorum can take a state like Michigan. If he can, Romney’s goose may be cooked and I love the smell of moderate goose in the morning!

Go Rick!!!!