Rick Santorum endorses Mitt Romney for president

Washington D.C., Feb 1, 2008 / 23:14 pm

Mitt Romney scored a victory in the political endorsement battle today, as Rick Santorum, a former Republican senator from Pennsylvania known as a strong conservative, gave him his backing.

Speaking about the caucus convergence known as “Super Tuesday,” Sen. Santorum said, “In a few short days, Republicans from across this country will decide more than their party's nominee.  They will decide the very future of our party and the conservative coalition that Ronald Reagan built.  Conservatives can no longer afford to stand on the sidelines in this election, and Governor Romney is the candidate who will stand up for the conservative principles that we hold dear.” 

Sen. Santorum also offered his assessment of Romney’s ability to unite the Republican Party: "Governor Romney has a deep understanding of the important issues confronting our country today, and he is the clear conservative candidate that can go into the general election with a united Republican Party."

Governor Romney received Santorum’s endorsement by pointing to their shared values. "I am honored to have Senator Santorum's support.  Throughout his career of public service, he has always led with a steadfast commitment to our party's conservative principles.  He has fought for life, marriage, tax cuts and a stronger national defense.  In the coming days, I look forward to working with him as we fight for our party's conservative foundations." 

Senator Santorum served two terms in the United States Senate where he was also Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, the third-ranking member of the Republican leadership.