"After months on the sidelines, Rick Santorum finally gets his chance at center stage in a debate of Republican presidential candidates on Wednesday, as well as the increased scrutiny that comes with it. Santorum, surging in opinion polls, is likely to face tough questions over his strong conservative views on social issues when he and rivals Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul gather for the 8 p.m. EST debate sponsored by CNN. With the March 6 ""Super Tuesday"" nominating contests in 10 states approaching, this may be the last major opportunity for all the candidates to make their case before a national audience on why they should be the Republicans' choice to face President Barack Obama in the November 6 election. Read more: At Arizona debate, Santorum to get his turn in spotlight"