Rick Santorum Drops Out: What's In His Future?

Now that he's suspended his presidential campaign, what's in Rick Santorum's future?

While this presidential race is over for me ... we are not done fighting, Santorum, the former Pennsylvania senator, told his supporters Tuesday in Gettysburg, Pa.

The move to suspend (not terminate) his campaign, which means Santorum's campaign account can still take in donations, assures GOP frontrunner and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney of smooth sailing toward the Republican nomination from here on in.

Santorum went from a virtual unknown nationally to rising GOP star during the campaign after his come-from-behind win in January's Iowa caucuses.

Although Santorum has been far behind in the delegate count and his upstart campaign came up short, he can parlay his success into some very lucrative opportunities.

Here are just a few places Santorum can go:

1) Go on the speaking circuit

Santorum's campaign has made him one of the most recognizable conservative voices in the country. He could command a handsome sum on the speaking circuit.

2) Television pundit

Santorum may decide to go the way of 2008 GOP presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor, and host his own show. Fox News would be dying to get Santorum on their network.

3) Vice presidential nominee

This one is out of Santorum's hands, but he has qualities that Romney will look for in a vice presidential candidate - conservative bona fides, an appeal to blue-collar Americans and a candidate that plays well in the South.

4) Republican kingmaker

Santorum may use his star to endorse Republican candidates nationwide. His backing will be highly sought. For all the controversy she's caused, 2008 vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin has been successful in guiding GOP candidates she's backed to victory.

5) Fashion icon

Santorum's penchant for sweater vests made him stand out from the crowded GOP field.

Amazing thing that sweater vest, Santorum said in his announcement suspending his campaign. All of a sudden the Twitterverse went wild.

Should he come out with his own line of sweater vests, Santorum can count on his campaign supporters for purchases.