Romney borrows a page from Santorum

"Families are an important source of strength for the nation," Romney said in a speech via satellite to the Faith and Freedom Conference in Washington. He gave Santorum credit for "reminding us" that getting married, graduating from high school, and having a job have been proven to substantially cut poverty rates. The idea was central to the former Pennsylvania senator's stump speech.

Speaking shortly after Romney, Santorum (who received a standing ovation) credited Romney for being "right on" in his message, according to CNN.

"He hit the points," Santorum said. "I've talked to Gov. Romney, and I have no doubt - and I mean this in all sincerity - I have no doubt he understands the centrality of family. He understands the importance of family for our culture, for our economy, and for our future."

In both of his campaigns for president, Romney has struggled to connect with social conservatives who are skeptical of his Mormon religion and his track record of supporting gay rights and abortion rights. In remarks lasting 10 minutes, Romney vowed to repeal "Obamacare," which he said "attacks freedoms," and criticized President Obama for "impinging" on "our first freedom - religious freedom."

He barely referenced the economy, the focus of his campaign.

He instead offered a lengthy anecdote about boat anchors as a metaphor in life.