Santorum raises $1.7 million in Houston meeting

Gingrich cancels his appearance in same venue

By WND Staff
Published March 10, 2012 at 5:31pm

HOUSTON – It was a big day for Rick Santorum beyond his winning of the Kansas caucuses.

The GOP presidential candidate Santorum raised $1.7 million in campaign contributions and pledges in a series of meetings at the Council for National Policy here over two days.

Newt Gingrich canceled his appearance at the same event.

The Council for National Policy is a conservative organization that includes organizational leaders and high-dollar political contributors.

Santorum met privately with members of the group in two meetings before appearing before the entire membership Saturday afternoon. Gingrich had been scheduled to speak at dinner tonight, but canceled his appearance two days ago.

Santorum campaign staff was excited about the success of the meetings.

Meanwhile, coincidentally, Barack Obama was also in Houston raising money this weekend.