Santorum targeting southern Mo. before caucuses

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- Presidential candidate Rick Santorum says Missouri gave a huge boost to his campaign with a primary victory -- and he is looking to the state's upcoming caucuses for more momentum.

Santorum was swinging across southern Missouri on Saturday, a week ahead of the start of a lengthy caucus process for selecting the state's presidential delegates.

At a factory in Springfield, Santorum highlighted his victory last month in Missouri's non-binding primary. He also played up similarities between Democratic President Barack Obama and his Republican rivals, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, on health care and environmental issues. Santorum cast himself as the candidate best able to provide a contrast in the November elections.

Santorum also was to campaign Saturday evening in Cape Girardeau.