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CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Moments after news organizations projected Newt Gingrich would win this state's presidential primary Saturday night, Rick Santorum's campaign issued a press release announcing his campaign events Sunday in Florida.

Despite a disappointing third-place finish in the Palmetto State with about 18 percent of the vote, Santorum said he has no plans of ending his presidential bid and intends to compete in Florida and the contests beyond. Texas Rep. Ron Paul, who came in fourth with about 13 percent of the vote, likewise issued a feisty promise to go forward with his campaign.

About 200 supporters clustered into a small auditorium at the Citadel for Santorum’s election night party and chanted “We pick Rick!” even though the tumultuous race now looks like it could become a two-man duel between Gingrich and Mitt Romney.

“It’s a wide open race,” Santorum insisted. “Join the fight.”

His chief cheerleader in this state, former Congressman Gresham Barrett, told RCP, “We’re proud to be third.” He said he’d continue campaigning for Santorum in other states if the candidate wanted him to and asserted, “We’ve got a great shot.”

Not backing down, he added, “The other candidates have got some problems.” Barrett chalked up Gingrich’s win here to his strong debate performances this past week. (Of course, there will be two more debates this coming week in Florida.)

Looking ahead to the Sunshine State in just 10 days, Santorum said he plans “to be a little different” than his opponents. He stuck to a populist, working-class message in his brief speech, pointing out that he did not grow up with wealth.

“This campaign is not going to be about tearing anybody down. It’s not going to be about negative ads,” he said. “It’s going to be about working-class values, as my grandfather taught me.”

As Santorum riffed on his own economic message and promised that he wanted to re-create an environment with opportunity for all Americans, a young protester shouted, “Unless they’re gay.” Storming out, he shouted again, “Occupy!” -- a reference to the anti-Wall Street movement that has cropped up in cities around the country.

Santorum didn’t break from his remarks, but his small audience buzzed and seemed distracted by the interruption. Compared to the expansive and loud election night events put on by Gingrich and Romney in Columbia, Santorum’s event seemed miniature. There was no food, no drinks, and the music playing was at times barely audible.

And yet, when an upbeat Santorum took the stage in front of his family -- his sons garbed in sweater vests -- he said, “Well, three states, three winners. What a great country.” Santorum was certified the winner of the Iowa caucuses just this week after a vote count error was discovered; Romney won New Hampshire.

He offered congratulations to Gingrich. “What an amazing victory for Newt,” Santorum said, reminding the crowd that the former House speaker has had a tumultuous run in the polls throughout the race. And he even got his own supporters to applaud for Gingrich’s win, adding that he called him before he spoke to congratulate him personally.