WASHINGTON — The Associated Press reports that a spokesman for Rick Santorum says the former Pennsylvania senator and former Butler resident is running for president.

Spokesman Matt Beynon confirmed Wednesday morning that Santorum will enter the Republican race at an event later in the day at Penn United Technologies in Jefferson Township.

He is a favorite of religious conservatives.

The 57-year-old Republican scored a surprising second-place finish in the race for the GOP presidential nomination four years ago. He begins his second presidential campaign as a heavy underdog.

Santorum says his experience could pay dividends the second time around.