Rick Santorum was back in friendly territory Tuesday.

As he sat behind a table inside Berean Christian Store, the former U.S. Senator and Republican presidential candidate chatted with Silver Springs resident Ada Stoltzfoos about her six children.

During the visit to promote his new book "American Patriots," Santorum reconnected with longtime supporters, smiling at pictures of grandchildren and thanking visitors for their encouragement.

"It feels so nice to be back in Lancaster," Santorum told fans waiting for his autograph.

The feeling was mutual for Stoltzfoos.

"My two sons worked for Santorum in Washington, so our family knows him well. He would have been a great president," she said.

Santorum received the most votes in the Iowa caucuses in January, the first contest of the presidential election cycle. He went on to win 11 states in total before dropping his bid and conceding to Mitt Romney in April.

While the social conservative was campaigning for readers Tuesday, he said he wouldn't rule out another run for president.

"At this point, we're just going to wait and see how everything plays out," he said.

Santorum may have started laying the groundwork for a 2016 presidential campaign with the recent formation of a conservative group called Patriot Voices.

"Obviously, having a good start and being prepared is a lot better than getting in at the last moment," Santorum said, adding that a successful future run will depend on "staying active, involved and engaged."

He said the group has a "dual mission" — to help conservative Republicans get elected and to keep pressure from the right on GOP members.

Forming his own group will help him build support across the country, Santorum said.

"If I do decide to run again, I'll be in a better position this time," he said.

Marietta resident Jim Buckner said that if Santorum throws his hat in the ring, he'll get his vote.

"I was disappointed when he dropped out this spring, but I understand why he did it," Buckner said.

Until the 2016 presidential race starts to take shape, Santorum said he will stick with his passion for writing.

Santorum said his new book is meant to inspire people who may be struggling in the current economic and political climate.

The book highlights the lives of 25 unsung heroes from the Revolutionary era who "fought to secure our God-given rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

For instance, Santorum said, the American Dream is slipping farther from view for some because of policies promoted by President Barack Obama.

"We are in a dangerous place right now, we have a president who wants to change the course of this country," he said. "We need to be reminded of those who faced the same thing and persevered."
kshuey@lnpnews.com