Des Moines, Iowa – As a Pennsylvanian who followed his 2006 race, I’ve been skeptical about Santorum’s surge. Six years ago, he lost by 18 points to the lackluster Bob Casey. It was a tough cycle, to be sure, but it was a pretty devastating defeat. But following him on the trail on Monday, I encountered a different Santorum, an improved candidate. To get a sense of how he’s evolved, watch this town-hall meeting from the eve of the caucuses. Santorum, as ever, greeted voters at a Pizza Ranch: