Anti-Urban Presidential Candidate Now Anti-Suburban, Too

After bemoaning cities as the domain of Democrats, GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum tries to appeal to his party by extending his criticism to suburbs, calling them "too close to cities."

1 minute read

April 1, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Planetizen


Santorum has been trying to make the case that he appeals to the true Republicans of the country – those who live outside of Democrat-dominated cities. But after making anti-urban remarks at a recent campaign stop, Santorum suffered attacks from his own supporters for not going far enough in his attack on cities.

As a result, Santorum took to the stage recently in rural Bloomfield, Kentucky, to make his case stronger.

"You good people are the Republicans I want on my side," Santorum told the small crowd in this town of 900. "I don't want the city vote. I'll let my so-called Republican competition take it. I don't even want the suburban voters. They're too close to cities. Those people clearly are not the real Republicans."

Sunday, April 1, 2012 in Planetizen April 1st Edition

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

White Waymo autonomous car driving fast down city street with blurred background at night.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars

Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

June 16 - Smart Cities Dive

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

June 16 - Governing

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

June 16 - UNM News