I don't see what is ignorant about Santorum's position. The lower federal courts are not even required to exist. Congress can add to or eliminate them at its discretion. The Constitution only mandates the formation of the Supreme Court. I believe the Ninth is the most overruled Circuit, and has made a name for itself as radical and extreme.
The judges on the Ninth however are Article Three judges with lifetime appointments. Their compensation cannot be reduced during their service. So, the Circuit could be disbanded and its workload distributed to other Circuits, but we would still have to pay the currrent judges.
The judges on the Ninth however are Article Three judges with lifetime appointments. Their compensation cannot be reduced during their service. So, the Circuit could be disbanded and its workload distributed to other Circuits, but we would still have to pay the currrent judges.