Politics | Occupy Wall Street Santorum Asks for Secret Service After Protest Protesters got 'rowdy' at Tacoma event this week By Evann Gastaldo Posted Feb 16, 2012 8:18 AM CST Copied Protesters shout to disrupt a speech by Rick Santorum, during an evening outdoor rally at the Washington State History Museum, Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, in Tacoma, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) See 1 more photo Rick Santorum must really be a frontrunner now, because the Republican presidential candidate is requesting Secret Service protection. His campaign sent the request to the Department of Homeland Security yesterday after what Fox News calls a "rowdy rally" in Washington state Monday night. Occupy protesters crashed the outdoor event, chanting and yelling, and two were ultimately taken away by police. Santorum says it's "a sad state of affairs" when such protection is needed, but notes that his family needs the safeguarding. So far, Mitt Romney is the only Republican presidential contender being protected by the Secret Service. Read These Next Online boo-bears go after the demo firm tearing White House apart. Plane windshield partially shatters mid-flight. There's a suspect. 'Butt-breathing' could be the future for struggling patients. Dem taking on Susan Collins addresses 'secret Nazi' claim. See 1 more photo Report an error