Santorum praises Romney in high-profile event

Greensburg, Pennsylvania (CNN) – It appears the hatchet is officially buried.

After a bitter and prolonged primary battle involving Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney, Santorum on Saturday attended his first high-profile campaign event on Romney’s behalf since he endorsed Romney in May. Santorum helped open a Romney campaign office in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, that’s shared with the state Republican Party.

Not only did Santorum offer high praise for Romney, but he played political offense and defense for his former rival.

Claiming the “republic is at stake” in the presidential election because of President Barack Obama’s failed policies, Santorum said, “One man is who we have to put our trust in to go out and fight that battle, and win that battle. And we must rally behind and do everything we possibly can to support Governor Mitt Romney so he's the next president of the United States.”

Santorum, a former senator from Pennsylvania, added: “Pennsylvania is where it’s at... If Pennsylvania goes Republican, Mitt Romney will be the next president of the United States.”

As Democrats question Romney’s tenure at his former private equity firm Bain Capital and call for him to release more tax returns, Santorum defended Romney.

Santorum called Romney a “solid businessman who understands how to make things work” with “great private sector experience.” (Continues)