Dan Savage “shocked” Santorum still in race, even after Google bombing

Dan Savage warned 97.3 KIRO FM’s Ross and Burbank Show about using the word “Santorum” on the air.

Stranger Editorial Director Dan Savage is credited with redefining “Santorum” leaving a smudge on the presidential candidate’s image at least in terms of Google search results. Even after Savage’s effort, Rick Santorum continues to move ahead of the other GOP candidates.

“No one is more shocked than I am,” said Savage. “The music ran out and he was the last non-Romney social conservative to surge.”

The definition assigned to Santorum by Savage and his readers is the first result in Google when you search the term “Santorum,” with an etymology linking to a blog post by Savage.

When 97.3 KIRO FM hosts Dave Ross and Luke Burbank broached the subject, Savage cautioned against using the word on the air.

“You don’t have to bleep Santorum here on the radio?” said Savage. “You guys aren’t going to get in trouble with the FCC?”

Listen to Dan Savage on Ross & Burbank

Savage said he’s trying to stay mum on the subject, as Santorum continues to grow in popularity.

“I haven’t been really writing that much about this campaign. I’m just too mortified by how well Rick Santorum is doing,” said Savage. “I feel like there’s nothing I can say one way or the other that’s not going to help him.”

“There is a scenario that you can game out where we’ve got a President Santorum, which would be a disaster,” said Savage, adding he’s still supporting President Obama. “He’s delivered enough that he is worth our support.”

David Boze: Dan Savage probably helped Santorum

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor