Verona, PA -- During his remarks at the Values Voter Summit last Friday, former Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Senator and Chairman of Patriot Voices Rick Santorum reminded his fellow conservatives that "we are engaged in the battle for the heart and soul of America," and we must "not back away one inch from what we believe in."  Watch his speech here. 

Several media outlets recapped his speech.  

From The Hill: "Santorum drew a favorable response from the crowd at the annual VVS with an address that urged conservatives to stand up for their values and continue to focus on social issues, but to change their message.  'Ladies and gentlemen, we are engaged in the battle for the heart and soul of America. And we need to be better and smarter about how we communicate our message,' he said. 'Do not back away one inch from what we believe in.'"

From Politico: "During a speech at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, Santorum sharply pushed back against critics who say Republicans should stay away from those issues in future campaigns. 'I say, you know you guys aren't thinking through this very clearly. You're not thinking through the consequences of throwing overboard all these unpopular social issues,' Santorum said. 'I don't know about you, but as a leader I'm not there to follow the polls, I'm here to shape the polls.'"

From The Washington Times: "Mr. Santorum, said that conservatives must be smarter about how they communicate their message and make sure that they pick 'authentic' messengers who will stand firm for their values.  'We have the truth, why are we playing defense?' Mr. Santorum said. 'I don't want to hear anybody here apologize for standing up for the truth, apologize for standing up for the dignity of life, the sanctity of marriage, the centrality of family.'"