Before the Iowa contest that catapulted Rick Santorum to front-runner status, the patriotically-named Red White and Blue PAC spent $537,200 and produced two television ads touting the former Pennsylvania senator's conservatism and electability. Borrowing a word from the organizers of a super PAC supporting Mitt Romney, the ad above urged Iowans to "Restore America's greatness."

The PAC is a relatively new one, registering with the Federal Electoral Commission in October 2011. Like most super PACs, Red, White and Blue has yet to disclose its financial backers, but MSNBC identified one of its donors as Foster Friess, president of investment fund Friess Associates, LLC and the Brandywine Fund . Historically, Friess Associates and its employees have given generously to Republican candidates, including to one of Santorum's GOP rivals, Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Friess also operates a charity dedicated to free market ideas, called the The Lynn and Foster Friess Family Foundation. As of 2011, the foundation had $103 million in assets. Its website promotes Santorum's views on family, small business and other issues. There are currently 14 posts about Santorum.

Other pet causes of the Friess Foundation: reducing the size of government, promoting international adoption and "school choice." The foundation also describes global warming as a "religion in decline."  

Chris Marston, listed as the treasurer of Red White and Blue PAC, is a principal at North Rock Reports, a consulting firm that assists campaigns with their FEC paperwork. Marston confirmed that, in the same capacity, he is treasurer of Rep. Thad McCotter's authorized presidential campaign committee. The Michigan Republican ended his presidential bid in September.

Update: Foster Friess announced in late January that he will continue pumping money into the super PAC supporting Santorum.

Check out the Sunlight Foundation's interactive roster of presidential super PACs here.