Posted Wednesday, February 8, 2012 --- 9:45 a.m.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former Sen. Rick Santorum's star has brightened considerably, at least for now, after caucus wins in Minnesota and Colorado and a first place finish in the non-binding Missouri Republican presidential primary.

The sweep raised fresh questions about front-runner Mitt Romney's appeal among the ardent conservatives at the core of the party's political base.

Santorum says his win shows that "Conservatism is alive and well."

Santorum won Minnesota with 45 percent support but Colorado was closer. He beat Romney 40 percent to 35 percent.

Romney showed no sign of disappointment in remarks to supporters, calling it "a good night for Rick Santorum." Romney says he still expects to be the nominee.

Ron Paul says he's still slowly building delegates and plans to be heard at the convention.

Newt Gingrich was far off the pace.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press

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Posted Wednesday, February 8, 2012 --- 9:45 a.m.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A jubilant Rick Santorum is leveraging victories in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri to increase pressure on Mitt Romney, labeling him "a well-oiled weather vane" who often shifts his positions.

Santorum tells CNN Republican conservatives "are beginning to get it" that he's best equipped to take on President Barack Obama.

The former Pennsylvania senator acknowledges Romney has a substantial advantage in political fund-raising, but says, "We feel like going forward we're going to have the money we need to make the case we want to make."

Santorum said Romney "had a great career in the private sector, but we're not running for CEO of the country. We're running for someone who can lead the country."

He told MSNBC he's not "looking for folks in Washington, D.C., to affirm our campaign."

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.