The Hill News

Winning either the Pennsylvania or Texas primaries is vital for Rick Santorum's campaign to move forward, Santorum national communications director Hogan Gidley said Wednesday.

Santorum is hoping a decisive win in his home state â€"where he currently leads in primary polls but with Mitt Romney gaining ground -- will help him shake off a number of recent primary losses and help him catch up to Romney in delegates.

The campaign has also said that the Texas primary is a high priority for the campaign going forward.

“I mean look, we think Pennsylvania is vital,” Gidley told The Hill. “But we also think Texas is vital.

“Pennsylvania, it's gonna be tough to go on without Pennsylvania,” Gidley continued. “We need to win one or both of those states.”

Santorum has told supporters that, in terms of winning primaries, the worst is behind him and that upcoming primaries in states like West Virginia and Arkansas are ! more favorable to his campaign.

“The linchpin starts with Pennsylvania. We think that's very, very important,” Gidley added.