Santorum Surrogate Invokes Holocaust

SANFORD, Maine – A Rick Santorum surrogate drews boos at Sanford High School this morning when he declared, "Ron Paul's isolationist policy invites a second Holocaust."

Ralph Ginorio, a history teacher from Limington, Maine, made the comment in response to some jeers by Ron Paul supporters at the Maine Caucus in Sanford, where about 1,000 voters were in attendance.

Caucus procedure allows for a candidate or a surrogate to gives speeches to voters before they pick a candidate. Paul made an appearance but did not speak. Santorum and Newt Gingrich did not attend. Mitt Romney was the only candidate who campaigned for himself in person.

Ginorio was talking about how Santorum is the one candidate who "says what he means."

"That's Ron Paul!" someone in the crowd yelled.

In response, Ginorio said, "Ron Paul's isolationist policy invites a second Holocaust."

The comment upset some in the crowd.

"I thought it was ridiculous," said Nancy Sobanik, of Lyman, Maine.

After his speech, Ginorio said he didn't regret making the comment. He qualified it by saying he was speaking for himself, and not Santorum. He said he meant the comment in relation to Iran's antagonistic behavor.

"I meant it literally," he said. "Iran will use atomic weapons on Jerusalem."

Ginorio said Santorum has a tougher attitude toward Iran than Paul – something that is needed to prevent the country from attacking its neighbors.

Patch has reached out to Paul's campaign for a response and will post it as soon as it comes in.

Before that exchange, Ginorio slammed Michelle Obama for her efforts to encourage healthier eating.

"I'm a pear-shaped fat man," he said. "I don't want Michelle Obama telling me what to eat in my own home."