Keeping it Low Key on Santorum's Johnson County Bus

Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania visited 68 Iowa counties leading up to the Ames Straw Poll.

He had two bus loads full from Scott County, two from Linn County, even a bus from far-away Lyon County.

So the man has some supporters today at the GOP presidential Straw Poll. Just not many from Johnson County.

Only eight people not directly affiliated with the campaign boarded the Johnson County Santorum bus that departed Saturday morning from the Coral Ridge Mall. This group remained silent for most of the bus ride, with many of the passengers sleeping or reading quietly.

These small numbers and lack of "rah rah" cheer did nothing to deter the spirits of Betty Kitchner, of Iowa City, who decided to come and vote for Santorum after seeing him in Tiffin.

"I'm impressed with his emphasis on family," Kitchner said, remarking on the fact that Santorum's whole family is with him on the campaign trail.

Kitchner said although she is pulling for Santorum, Mitt Romney will be an acceptable second choice.

Meanwhile, fellow passenger Julie Ross, an independent from Davenport, was just along for the ride. An avid political button collector, Ross said she was excited to attend her first Straw Poll on her birthday. She said she planned to write in "Rick PArry" in the Straw Poll, a nod to satirist Stephen Colbert's effort to have a role in the event.

"I'm looking for good swag," Ross said.

Karen Fesler, a member of Santorum's Johnson County steering committee, said she is hopeful that Santorum's small-town strategy in Iowa will pay off today, especially with his long record of success to run on.

"He's got a record of achievement," Fesler said.