After news broke on Wednesday that Fox News was suspending former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum as a contributor to the network, it didn't take long before the potential presidential contender spoke out on the matter.
Appearing on CNN's "John King USA" the same day, Santorum said the decision to sever ties came after never being asked by anyone at Fox News about his plans for 2012.
According to the network, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, who both contribute to the network and are believed to be mulling presidential campaigns, have not been suspended in their roles.
"I don't know why Fox differentiated, whether there's been conversations," he said. "They didn't talk to me and ask me whether I'm running or not. It wasn't something that we had a conversation about. I don't know whether other people have had conversations."
Santorum signaled that his split with Fox News would have no impact on the speed at which he makes a decision on whether or not to run.
"It doesn't really affect my decision process at all," he explained. "All the things that when you test the waters you have to test to see how you're doing really are quite separate than media appearances on Fox."
Along with Santorum, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was also suspended as a contributor to Fox News on Wednesday. Network anchor Bret Baier announced the split on air.
Fox News has suspended its contributor arrangements with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, both of who have signaled possible runs for the [presidency]. The suspension is effective for 60 days. Then, on May 1st, their contracts will be terminated unless they notify Fox that they are not running for president. Now, this has been contemplated from the start, from the very beginning, but it is effective today...this is Fox policy. This is the announcement being made today. It does not preclude other announcements that may be made in the future.
Santorum issued a statement on the matter shortly after the announcement was made.
"I share in their commitment to ensure news organizations provide balanced coverage of the issues of the day," he said, according to GOP12. "I intend to use the months ahead to continue my evaluation of a potential presidential run, and I will make an announcement on my final decision sometime in the coming months."
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