CNN parts ways with pundit Rick Santorum, former senator who made much-criticized comments about Native Americans

But, a network source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the matter, said that Santorum had been informally “benched” after the controversy erupted, with shows choosing not to book him for appearances. As a contributor, Santorum did not have a regular, scheduled time slot, like an anchor or host would, but was invited on by individual shows to offer his thoughts.