Jeb Bush endorses Romney for president

Story by MSNBC 

Written By Michael O'Brien 

Jeb Bush endorsed Mitt Romney for president on Wednesday, giving the former Massachusetts governor another important boost from the prominent political clan.

Bush, a figure whom many Republicans had urged to seek the presidency, called Romney this morning to inform him of his plan to endorse, according to a Romney campaign official.

The former Florida governor joins his father, former President George H.W. Bush, in endorsing Romney. Jeb Bush's brother, former President George W. Bush, has not made an endorsement in the race.
Jeb Bush said in a statement:

"Congratulations to Governor Mitt Romney on his win last night and to all the candidates for a hard fought, thoughtful debate and primary season.  Primary elections have been held in thirty-four states, and now is the time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney and take our message of fiscal conservatism and job creation to all voters this fall.  I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our Party’s nomination.  We face huge challenges, and we need a leader who understands the economy, recognizes more government regulation is not the answer, believes in entrepreneurial capitalism and works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed."

As Bush's statement indicates, his endorsement comes at a point in the primary where Republicans, following Romney's win in last night's Illinois primary by a wide margin, may begin to rally around Romney's candidacy.

A popular figure within the GOP, Bush had been one of the few major Republicans yet to make an endorsement.