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Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania sat down with about a dozen bloggers today to answer our questions. I was trying to write as fast as my little fingers could move because I didn't want to miss a word, but I was also a little bit star-struck. I have tried to make sense of my notes below and fill you all in on what we discussed...

First, Santorum discussed how uncooperative the Democrats in the Senate have been in terms of finishing up the matters on the table before they head home for recess. When Democrats block a measure, they "pay no price" and it is often seen as merely an "internal battle," Santorum pointed out. He reminded us that if Republicans do it, they are seen as "sacrificing" the American people and that this double standard needs attention. (More on this later.)

Santorum also showed an appreciation for the new media and their efforts to put more pressure on the Democrats to cooperate and do what needs to be done in the next week, particularly regarding the fence and NSA. "Alternative media can drive public opinion," said Santorum. (This was my favorite quote from the day.)

Santorum said that the staying through the weekend and possibly into the week is an option for the Senate if they want to execute their plan. The Democratic delays, however, may force them to draw this out sequentially. There are more Republican incumbents in tough races than Democrats, said Santorum, so the Democrats would like nothing more than to keep people from campaigning back in their home states. (He admitted that he has "more at stake at this time than anyone else.") Adjournment, then, depends on the Democrats and their ability to conclude, he noted.

Santorum said that the Democrat strategy for Senate is "block and blame" and that they put "political interests ahead of national security."

Tim Chapman brought up an excellent comparisons of Santorum's campaign against Casey to the Hutchinson-Pryor race of 2002 and asked the senator to comment on how the PA race might differ. Santorum responded that he had a strong record of accomplishments, a "well-spring of enthusiasm" and incredible grassroots activity, and non-traditional support.

Santorum then described some startling details about his debates with Casey. Casey has already appeared with Santorum on Meet the Press. At the event, Casey requested a computer and when he was denied, he sat with a a blank sheet of paper. Underneath that paper, Casey had hidden a few pages of typed up talking points and he reviewed them during commercial breaks. Casey has agreed to only two more debates in October--one in Philly, one in Pittsburgh--but they must follow his format, his terms. Casey insisted that the debates be limited to one hour and that both candidates be limited to one minute responses. (Hardly time for a thorough, intelligent response, and very convenient for a moderate with no backbone.) Casey also would not welcome the Green Party candidate to participate.

Santorum called the mainstream media in PA "lethal."

He also called national security "the greatest threat this country has ever faced." "Consequences are dire," he continued, if Republicans lose control of Congress in November. He said that "no series of races" that will ever affect national security as much as this year's campaigns.

Santorum came back to the idea of the double standard when Mary Katharine asked if he had seen the Clinton tirade on Fox News. First, he said that he gets 90% of his news from the Internet. (When I met him at CPAC--possibly my most embarrassing moment ever--he told me that he goes to Townhall.com everyday. Go us!) Anyway, he then continued, "I try not to expose myself to silliness like Bill Clinton.... I listened to him for eight years and I never want to listen to him again." Larry Scholer noted that if a Republican ranted like Clinton did, it would be front pages news and everyone would assume said Republican had "an anger problem." Santorum replied: "The double standard is getting worse and worse in this country and I'm counting on you all to do something about it."

He also reminded us that if Republicans "lose control or maintain only marginal control, Bush will have to reconsider" his judicial nominees because "he will not be able to get a Roberts confirmed again."

Tim wrote about the event, too.
Mary K mentions the meeting before she heads off to yet another blogger event.
Update: Ivy has a great post up now, as well.

That concludes my play-by-play for now, though I am sure I will be referring to this pretty frequently in the coming month.

I apologize for not getting this up sooner in the day for y'all. My teaser post got me some great traffic today and that made me feel pretty guilty for the delay.

Special thanks to Rob for inviting me to join this blogger group in the first place and giving me the opportunity to participate in such a great event, exclusive event.