Rick Santorum Suspends Campaign But Not Donation Pitch

Rick Santorum may have suspended his campaign, but he hasn't put on the brakes when it comes to raising money.

Just a couple of hours after he announced he would suspend his campaign, Santorum's campaign sent out an e-mail soliciting donations with the subject Thank You along with an online money pitch.

I am planning to do everything in my power to bring a change about in the White House, Santorum wrote to supporters in the e-mail, which was sent to IBTimes. But our campaign has debt, and I cannot be free to focus on helping defeat [President Obama] with this burden. I am asking you to consider one more contribution of $25, $50 or even $73.10

The $73.10 refers to the average donation sent to Santorum's campaign from his 160,000 donors.

The e-mail mentions Santorum's announcement to suspend the campaign.

This has been one of the hardest decisions [wife] Karen and I have ever had to face together, Santorum said. And it has been hard in large measure because of you. I know that my candidacy has offered you a way to fight for your convictions, and I do not want to let you down.

By suspending his campaign, Santorum can still solicit donations to pay off debt the campaign has incurred.

The e-mail characterizes the underdog character of the campaign and its 20-point win in Louisiana and the improbable win in Iowa to start the 2012 GOP primary race.

We have made history. There has been no other presidential comeback race like ours, Santorum says.

The former Pennsylvania senator then makes another plea for donations.

I want to continue to be your voice, he says, before providing a link to contribute $25, $50 or even $73.10.

We need you to step up again, Santorum says.