Megadeth frontman likes Santorum for president

Megadeth guitarist and vocalist Dave Mustaine has endorsed former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum for president.

Mustaine, a founding member of the heavy metal band from Los Angeles, gave props to Santorum in an interview posted yesterday with the website Music Radar.

"You know I think Santorum has some presidential qualities, and I'm hoping if it does come down to it, we'll see a Republican in the White House . . . and that it's Rick Santorum," Mustaine said.

The frontman admitted he was "completely oblivious" as to who Santorum was but said, "when the dude went home to be with his daughter when she was sick, that was very commendable."

Santorum left the campaign trail briefly last month after his daughter, Bella, who suffers from a rare genetic disease, became ill and had to be admitted to a Virginia hospital.

Mustaine, who was a correspondent for MTV during the 1992 presidential election, said he was also impressed that Santorum hadn't resorted to "horrible attack ads" on television, unlike rival GOP candidates Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.

On the band's website, www.megadeth.com, Mustaine said the most important life things in life were to "love God" and "family," and that among his favorite historical figures is Jesus.

Santorum frequently talks about faith and family on the campaign trail.

The candidate's spokesman Hogan Gidley was unavailable for comment. A message on his cellphone said his mailbox was full and could not accept calls.