Santorum defends robocalls urging Democrats to vote in Michigan GOP primary Rick Santorum defended his robocalls urging Democrats in Michigan to vote in today's critical primary, a tactic that has come under withering criticism from rival Mitt Romney as a "terrible dirty trick" and a "new low for his campaign." Santorum, after greeting diners in this Grand Rapids suburb, told reporters that he reached out to Democratic voters, who can vote in the primary, to show that "we can attract voters we need to win states like Michigan." He brushed aside Romney's criticisms, noting that the former Massachusetts governor has wooed Democrats in the past and used Santorum's own words endorsing him in the 2008 race on a robocall of his own. I didn't complain about it. I don't complain. You know what, I'm a big guy. I can take it," Santorum said. If someone wants to go out and take cheap shots... The former Pennsylvania senator made the remarks after greeting diners in Kentwood and Grandville, the first events where he had a visible Secret Service protection detail. He did not linger, briefly saying hello to the diners and thanking them if they said they cast ballots for him in what is expected to be a tight contest between Santorum and Romney. He was accompanied by his wife Karen, who was the more engaging of the pair, at one point pulling over an undecided voter to speak with her husband. Jay Groendyke of Grand Rapids asked whether Santorum would be a "proud leader." "Absolutely," Santorum replied. We are not going to take apology tours. We are going to stand up for the values that made this country great. Karen Santorum chimed in, "I'm going to keep you humble." Groendyke asked whether she would be able to handle the stress of being First Lady. "She's going to be great," Santorum said, as his wife hugged him. She'll be great, she'll be the best. The retiree said he remained torn between Santorum's strong morals and Romney's business experience. "I feel like maybe Mitt doesn't present himself as well as Rick," he said, adding he would make his decision over the next hour. I think they would both do a good job, I really do. Karen Santorum is rarely on the campaign trail, because she stays home to take care of one of their seven children who has a life-threatening genetic disorder. When Santorum saw his wife, they shared a lengthy embrace and kiss. Asked about her husband's prospects, Karen Santorum beamed and said, "I'm feeling great. We're so excited.