Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum is expected to get Secret Service protection Tuesday, according to an administration official with knowledge of the plan.

The campaign of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich requested Secret Service protection last week and is awaiting word on whether he will receive the security, a person close to the campaign said Sunday.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive security matters.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has received the protection since Feb. 1. Secret Service protection is given to each major party's presidential nominee but can be provided earlier if the Homeland Security Department approves a campaign's request.

Businessman Herman Cain received Secret Service protection last November but dropped out of the race in December.

Federal law allows candidates to seek protection if they meet a series of standards, including public prominence as measured by polls and fundraising.