Santorum References Badger State During Undercard Debate

One of the few references to Wisconsin during Tuesday night’s Republican presidential debates in Milwaukee came from former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum

Santorum was on stage for the so-called “undercard” or preliminary debate. He said he supports reauthorizing the federal Export-Import Bank, which makes loans to overseas customers of U.S. manufacturers. Santorum said the U.S. agency’s work has almost been halted while similar lending agencies in other countries have moved ahead.

“You want to talk about communicating to workers here in Wisconsin, ask them why we’re tying our hands behind our back and saying, go out and compete,” he said.

Santorum later said he realizes that Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan have spoken against the Export-Import Bank. However, the House recently took a major step toward reviving the agency.