Rick Santorum channels Herman Cain in Value Voters pitch

Call him candidate zero.

Rick Santorum told social conservatives gathered in Washington on Friday that he would be a reliable advocate for the cause of life in the White House. But the former Pennsylvania senator, whose debate performances have been well-received but has yet to see that translate to national polling, also sold his credentials on defense and economic issues.

On the latter, he targeted Herman Cain, who’s quickly risen to near the top of the pack in national polls.

“I know there’s a plan out there that’s the’9-9-9 Plan,’” he said, referring to the proposal Cain has made the hallmark of his candidacy. “I’ve got a better plan. It’s the ‘0-0-0 Plan.’ ”

The zeros: eliminating the corporate tax rate for manufacturing, eliminating tax on overseas profits brought back to the United States, and zeroing out regulations instituted by the Obama administration.

“We need a president who believes in free people and free markets. That’s the basis for our society,” he said. “It’s a moral enterprise as an American.”

Santorum otherwise spoke to the causes dear to the heart of attendees at the Value Voters Summit. Listing legislation he fought for in the Senate not only on abortion but in support of traditional marriage, Santorum asked the crowd: “Don’t you want a president who’s comfortable in their shoes?”

At the end of his speech, Santorum brought members of his family on stage to share the story of a son, Gabriel Michael, who lived for only two hours and inspired advocacy.

The Value Voters Summit, run by the Family Research Council, is drawing most of the Republican presidential hopefuls to the nation’s capital this weekend. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Godfather’s Pizza Chief Executive Herman Cain and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann will address attendees Friday afternoon.

Texas Rep. Ron Paul and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are slated to speak Saturday morning.

Attendees are also voting in a presidential preference straw poll, the results of which will be announced Saturday. Indiana Rep. Mike Pence, who ultimately chose to run for governor, was last year’s surprise winner.