Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush said Wednesday he's endorsing Mitt Romney's bid for the Republican nomination for president
Bush announced his support following Romney's victory in Tuesday's Illinois primary, suggesting the Republican race was all but over.
"Congratulations to Governor Mitt Romney on his win last night and to all the candidates for a hard fought, thoughtful debate and primary season," Bush said in a statement. "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."
After the win in Illinois, Romney now has 485 out of the 1,144 delegates needed for nomination. Rick Santorum sits at 193, with Newt Gingrich at 137 and Ron Paul at 34.
"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," Bush, who served as Florida's governor between 1999 and 2007, said.
"Jeb Bush is synonymous with good government and with conservative policies that yield results. He has long demonstrated an outstanding ability to bring people together," Romney said in a statement. "I therefore take tremendous pride in having earned his endorsement. This is a key moment in the presidential contest and Jeb’s counsel and support will be critical in the coming months in my effort to defeat Barack Obama and turn around our country."
The next primary is in Louisiana on March 24.
