Two weeks ago President Bush was "widely criticized by Muslim leaders Thursday for saying that the breakup of an alleged plot to blow up airliners over the Atlantic Ocean was a triumph in the 'war against Islamic fascists.'

It is, therefore, hardly a coincidence that Pennsylvania's Rick Santorum used the same formulation in a speech today. The Associated Press reports:

HARRISBURG, Pa. - U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum on Monday drew parallels between World War II and the current war against "Islamic fascism," saying they both require fighting a common foe in multiple countries.

"Were the Japanese imperialists with their mind-set and their ideology the same as the Nazis? Obviously not. Were they same at [sic] the fascists in Italy? Obviously not. But they were still a common enemy," the Republican told about 250 people at a Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon.

Interesting. Maybe this guy really knows what he's talking about. And, to a lesser degree, this guy as well.

For more, visit the RCP Election '06 Page for the PA Senate Race.