SD Sen. Thune Endorses Romney

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., has endorsed Mitt Romney for president, giving the former Massachusetts governor support from a key figure in the Midwest as he launches a concerted effort to win the Iowa caucuses, The Hill reports.

"Mitt Romney has shown throughout his life in the private sector, as leader of the Olympics, as governor and in this campaign that he will not back down from difficult challenges," the popular two-term senator said. "Washington could use these common sense principles at such a critical time."

Romney welcomed the endorsement, saying, “I am honored to have Senator Thune’s support. On the issues that I have been fighting for in my campaign — creating a better business environment, lessening the regulatory burden, and ending Washington’s spending addiction — Senator Thune has been a leading voice in the Senate. He will be a trusted adviser as I bring this message to voters, work to reverse President Obama’s failed policies, and reform Washington.”