Normally, U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., is in full support of President Bush's policies, but not this time -- and some local political figures are wondering why.

Last week, Santorum sent a letter to the White House calling for the creation of an independent commission or panel that would look at the war in Iraq and determine the best way to achieve success and end the conflict.

Robert Traynham, conference chairman for Santorum, said there were two reasons the senator decided to write the letter.

"No. 1 is to talk about the good things that are happening in Iraq," he said. "Second is to encourage a different viewpoint to the war."

Traynham said that the senator wanted open communication and in no way meant any form of opposition.

Bob Shepherd, chairman of the Centre County Democratic Committee, said Santorum's letter was less a pragmatic approach and more of a personal one.

"In Rick's case, it's important for him to get re-elected," he said. "I think that he senses that the war is more or less a failure and he wants to be re-elected, so he's shifting."

However, Penn State College Republicans President Vicky Cangelosi said she believes it is a sign of cooperation within the Republican Party.

"From what I know about Santorum's relationship with Bush, I doubt that it is an indication of a strong opposition," she said.

"It's a good thing that the Republicans are working together," Cangelosi added.

Penn State College Democrats President Alex Smith also said questioning Bush is a rare move for Santorum, but this does not mean he is opposing Bush.

"[Santorum] will be depending on Bush during the elections in November," he said. "I think his move to the middle shows just how strong the Democratic candidates are this year."

G.T. Thompson, chairman of the Centre County Republican Committee, declined comment, saying he did not know enough about the letter to comment.

"This could show an opposition to Bush, but it is a small minority in the Republican Party," Cangelosi said.

Shepherd said the commission could be a positive thing and that it might not be completely driven by Santorum's re-election campaign.

"Not all Republicans are venal and some are truly upset," he said. "They are seeing a parallel to Vietnam, and they want to get out."