(CNN) Rick Santorum said Monday he doubts a Libertarian-leaning candidate, like Rand Paul, could be nominated to lead the Republican Party in a presidential election.

Asked by co-host Van Jones on CNN's "Crossfire" if he could support the Kentucky senator if he winds up running and is nominated in 2016, Santorum said he doesn't think hell have to consider that ultimately.

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"Well, first off, I don't think that will happen because a Republican Party is not a Libertarian Party. It is a conservative party and it will nominate a conservative, not a libertarian," Santorum said.

Paul has been open about the possibility of running.

Likewise, Santorum, a former senator from Pennsylvania and 2012 presidential candidate, is also eyeing another bid.

Santorum is an arch-conservative who gave Mitt Romney a run for his money in key conservative states last go-around.

Related: Santorum 'very open' to another presidential bid

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Crossfire: Santorum doesn't think Rand Paul would win GOP nomination