Sen. Rick Santorum on Monday toured small towns in a Republican stronghold, trying to convince voters that electing a Pennsylvania Democrat to a full term in the Senate for the first time in more than 40 years would hurt the country.

''What direction do they want? Less jobs created, unemployment, higher deficits, higher taxes? I don't know what new direction they're focused on, but the direction of this economy is strong right now,'' Santorum said from northwest Pennsylvania, evoking his opponent's theme of a ''new direction.''

The Democratic candidate and front-runner in polls, Bob Casey Jr., started Monday with about 50 citizens gathered at a center in Pittsburgh where there was to be a luncheon and bingo game.

Later in the day, Casey, the state treasurer and son of the late Gov. Robert P. Casey, and Gov. Ed Rendell greeted hundreds of surprised commuters as they exited trains in Upper Darby. Casey said the focus of the stop was to encourage people to vote.

Make a list of family and friends that you know are Democrats. Call them or email them to remind them to vote. Make sure they get the message before 5 PM. The country needs a new direction and it's not going to come from Rick Santorum.