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America's Santorum sweater obsession

Rick Santorum's fashion choices have been turning heads on the campaign trail.

Rick Santorum's fashion choices have been turning heads on the campaign trail. He's been rocking the sleeveless sweater vests, perhaps going for the "non-threatening nerdy dad" look as suggested by my fellow Last Word staffer Anthony Reyes. Unlike many other politicians in their power suits or rolled-up sleeves, the former Pennsylvania senator has been keeping it casual for the past few weeks.

The conservative candidate told the New York Times, "it sort of took on a life of its own" after an appearance in Des Moines with Mike Huckabee. "So I started wearing more and more. My staff bought me a bunch more," he said.

One devoted fashion follower made a "Fear Rick's Vest" video montage, along with a related Twitter feed, Tumblr blog and Facebook page.

The Times article says Santorum "is not anti-sleeve" and "harbors no bigotry toward extra fabric, whether it's cotton, cashmere or wool."