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ABC News’ Michael Falcone reports:
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum continued to dip his toe into 2012 presidential waters on Wednesday with the announcement that he has hired a New Hampshire state director.
Santorum named Mike Biundo as the lead New Hampshire staffer for his political action committee, America’s Foundation.
Biundo is a seasoned Granite State political operative who most recently helped Republican Frank Guinta defeat incumbent Democratic Rep. Carol Shea-Porter in state’s 1st Congressional District. Biundo also served on Guinta’s successful campaign for mayor of Manchester and has been involved in politics for two decades.
“I am thrilled to have Mike a part of our team. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable in New Hampshire,” Santorum said in a statement. “As I continue on this journey, it is important we determine our ability to build grassroots support and Mike will be an integral part of this process.”
Biundo served on the presidential campaigns of former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson and Pat Buchanan, who won the New Hampshire primary in 1996. He is also a veteran of grassroots organizing in the crucial early primary state and led the New Hampshire Advantage Coalition, a group promoting limited government.
“As former Senator Santorum continues to consider a run for president, I am pleased to have the opportunity to play a part in that process,” Biundo said in a statement. “The Senator’s fiscally responsible approach to government and vision for America’s future will play well here in New Hampshire.”
Santorum is not the first potential 2012 candidate to bring aboard a New Hampshire-based political operative. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has hired at least two staffers based in the state.
Santorum plans to travel to New Hampshire next week to speak to supporters of the Granite Oath PAC, a group founded by 2010 Republican Senate candidate Ovide Lamontagne. News of Biundo’s hire was first reported by the New Hampshire Union Leader. The Union Leader's John DiStaso notes that Santorum's visit will be his eighth to the state in roughly a year.