Candidates Answer Viewer Questions

You asked 7 On Your Side and we're getting answers, straight from the candidates.

We caught up with Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in Spartanburg Wednesday, ahead of Saturday's South Carolina Republican primary.

And we asked them questions posed by you, the viewers.

The other presidential candidates didn't have media availability while they were in town during the day Wednesday.

Santorum started his day off at Spartanburg's Beacon Drive-In.

Tommy Lollis from Greer wanted to know:  Where do they stand on social security?

“Social security is running over a $100 billion deficit right now. What President Obama has done in proposing cuts in social security taxes to create a bigger liability under social security undermines the foundational principals of social security. We need to make sure that all taxes are paid and go in to pay benefits on socials security,” said Santorum.

Mitt Romney rallied a crowd at Wofford College and then gave us his take on Social Security.

“I want to protect Social Security for our current retirees and make sure that for future retirees, Social Security is still there and solvent. And that's why I propose a solution that Social Security is always able to meet its obligations,” said Romney.

Doug Cornett from Campobello wanted to know:  Where do they stand on gun control, Second Amendment?

“I believe the Second Amendment is there to protect the First Amendment. It's not just the right to own a gun for hunting. It's a right to own a gun for personal protection and for protecting your rights and that's fundamental,” said Santorum.

“I believe in the Second Amendment,” said Romney. “I believe we have all the laws necessary to protect citizens. I'm not looking for any laws relating to gun control. Let's enforce the laws we have and honor the Second Amendment.”

Many viewers also wanted to know who they would vote for if they weren't on the ballot.

“Well let's see, I'd probably be voting for John Thune, Tim Pawlenty, Chris Christie, a lot of terrific people in my party that can do a good job, I think, helping lead the country,” said Romney.

“I'm on the GOP ballot because I didn't' feel comfortable that we had the best candidate running,” said Santorum. “And that's why I decided to step forward and run.”

We also asked about health care. Both Romney and Santorum pledged to repeal President Obama's health care plan, if elected.

And those political attack ads running on television in South Carolina?

Santorum said he has run more positive ads, then negative.

Romney said it is impossible to control ads that are being run on their behalf, referring to those Super PACs or Political Action Committees.