2011-06-07 11:26

Former US senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) speaks at a summit in Manchester, New Hampshire in this April 29, 2011 file photo. Santorum launched his Republican bid for president on June 6, 2011, pledging an unflinching commitment to conservative policies, including Medicare reform. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - Former US Senator Rick Santorum said on Monday that he will seek the Republican nomination to run for president in 2012.

The former Pennsylvania senator made the announcement during an appearance Monday morning on ABC's "Good Morning America."

"We're ready to announce that we are going to be in this race and we're in it to win," Santorum said. He is expected to enjoy strong support from conservative electorate due to his opposition to abortion, gay marriage and embryonic stem cell research.

Still, his chances of winning Republican nomination are not seen as much as some other bidders. The latest Gallup poll showed that he only registered 2 percent of support among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, well below that of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who leads the Republican field with 17 percent of support.

Santorum entered the race four days after Romney made his bid official. In addition, former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, House Representative Ron Paul, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, businessman Herman Cain have launched their presidential bids.

Speculation remains strong that former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman and Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann will jump into the race.