Mitt Romney today announced the support of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

“I’m very proud to earn the support of such a distinguished leader and public servant to our country,” said Mitt Romney. “Rudy’s successes in turning around New York City are well-known and his name is synonymous with leadership, uniting a city in the aftermath of the worst terrorist attack in our nation’s history. I look forward to his help in the months ahead as I work to restore America’s promise and reverse President Obama’s failed policies.”

“When I look at where we are as a nation and the challenges we face, I am convinced that Mitt Romney will provide a clear contrast to President Obama,” said Rudy Giuliani. “Whether it was creating jobs in business, rescuing the Olympics, or turning around Massachusetts’ $3 billion budget deficit, he has proved, time and again, that he excels at turning around difficult situations. He has also proposed a bold economic plan that will help families that have been crushed by President Obama’s failed policies. With his plan to create more jobs, reduce our debt, and scale back the size of government, America will be back on the road to prosperity. I’m proud to support Mitt Romney and encourage all those who worry about our country’s future to do the same.”

Here is video of Giuliani’s endorsement on FOX News this morning:

Mitt Romney has just been given a BIG helping of Special K…

Ohio Governor John Kasich and Arizona Senator Jon Kyl are keen to support Governor Romney ‘s campaign for the presidency. Ohio Lt. Gov Mary Taylor is also standing with Romney.

Serving as an important link to the northeast and midwest, here’s the latest from the beautiful Buckeye State:

Announcing his support, Governor Kasich said, “The biggest issue in this presidential election will be who can make the economy stronger so that America’s families can be stronger. I’m for Mitt Romney because he’s got the proven experience as a manager and as a job creator that America needs right now. The progress we’ve made in Ohio is hampered by a White House that can’t make up its mind and which can’t set the right course for our economy. Mitt Romney’s got what it takes to get us back on track and I look forward to working with him to make his campaign in Ohio and across the country a success.”

Lt. Gov. Taylor said, “With job creation being Ohio’s top priority, the presidential race is going to be about whose policies can help us continue to get back on our feet. The tax-and-spend policies we see now from the White House are only barriers to our efforts to get Ohioans working again. By contrast, Mitt Romney has a deep understanding of the needs of job creators and will put that experience and know-how to work for Ohioans and the nation, and I’m happy to support his campaign for the presidency.”

Romney responds:

“I am proud to have earned the support of Ohio Governor Kasich and Ohio Lt. Gov. Taylor,” said Mitt Romney. “This might be the most important election in a generation. Our country can continue on its current path, or we can choose another path – one with lower spending, more jobs, and less debt. Ohio will be a critical – and possibly deciding – state in November. Having the support of Governor Kasich and Lt. Gov. Taylor will be vital in our efforts to defeat President Obama and change the direction of the country.”

Background on Governor Kasich:
Governor John Kasich was elected in 2010. Previously he served for 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives where he was chairman of the Budget Committee and the architect of the first balanced budget in decades. In his first year as governor, he closed an historic $8 billion budget shortfall without a tax increase and instead cut taxes by $800 million. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on Gov. Kasich’s watch Ohio has created more than 82,000 jobs –the most in the Midwest and the fourth largest increase in the nation – and both Standard & Poors and Moody’s have raised Ohio’s credit outlook from negative to stable.

Background on Lt. Gov. Taylor:

Lt. Gov. Taylor was elected with Gov. Kasich in 2010. Previously she served in the Ohio House of Representatives and as Auditor of State. As Lt. Gov. she oversees the Department of Insurance and leads the Administration’s effort to streamline and update Ohio’s regulatory policies.

From the magnificent Grand Canyon State, which attracts five million visitors per year, comes the call from Senator Jon Kyl to unite behind Governor Romney:

Announcing his support, Senator Kyl said, “After a long primary, it is time for the Republican Party to come together and support the candidate who will defeat President Obama. That is why I am proud to support Mitt Romney. President Obama’s record is full of broken promises and failed policies. Mitt Romney will restore American greatness at home and abroad. He has a bold economic plan that will create jobs and help middle class families prosper. He will also make the 21st century an American century and regain America’s respected status in the world. These next months will be hard fought and change will not come easy, but I am proud to stand with Mitt and to do anything I can to make sure he is our next president.”

Romney:

“Senator Kyl has been a leader in the Senate in the fight to cut spending, make government accountable, and to protect our country,” said Mitt Romney. “I am proud to have the support of someone who shares my vision for getting our country on the right track by allowing the private sector to flourish and getting government out of the way. Senator Kyl has been a tremendous public servant for Arizona and I look forward to working with him to reach out to Arizona voters over the next few months.”

Background on Senator Kyl:

Senator Kyl Was First Elected To The U.S. Senate In 1994. For over four years, Kyl has been the Senate Minority Whip. He also served eight years in the U.S. House and was a lawyer before entering government. He and his wife Caryll have two children.

As the GOP’s presumptive nominee and 2012 standard bearer, Romney is in Arizona today to speak at the 2012 RNC State Chairmen’s Meeting. It’s the last formal meeting before the nomination convention in August in Tampa; those running Republican organizations at the state level will be in attendance.

C-Span will air it LIVE at 3:45pm (ET). CNN will provide a livefeed here.

From PBS NewsHour:
GOP Establishment Gets Behind Romney
By Christina Bellantoni, Terence Burlij
April 20, 2012:

It’s a big day for Mitt Romney, who will be embraced by GOP establishment figures during the Republican National Committee’s meeting of state chairmen and officials in Scottsdale, Ariz.

All week he’s been collecting endorsements from governors and other top lawmakers — including House Speaker John Boehner …
[...]
The unity weekend is intended to help the entire party shift focus onto the general election.

Santorum supporters are joining Romney:

A top RNC official contended Thursday that enthusiasm for Mr. Romney, who has struggled at times to connect with the party’s conservative base, is on the rise.

“Romney is getting conservatives on this committee to rally behind him,” said Illinois RNC member Demetra DeMonte, the elected secretary of the RNC and a founding member of the RNC’s Conservative Caucus. Ms. DeMonte had originally favored Mr. Santorum, who often outpaced Mr. Romney in primaries and caucuses among evangelical voters and tea party activists.

The unity weekend is intended to help the entire party shift focus onto the general election.

★ UPDATE - Watch Romney’s speech here.

By the way, the Romney campaign is giving away FREE bumper stickers. Get yours now; click here!

(emphasis added to endorsements/article)

► Jayde Wyatt

M&M.

Sound sweet? It is!

Signaling further party consolidation, both big name GOP Mitch-es say “It’s Mmmitt!”

Governor Daniels from Indiana and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have endorsed Governor Romney:

Governor Mitch Daniels

Announcing his support, Governor Mitch Daniels said, “Mitt Romney has earned our party’s nomination and now deserves the support of every American still committed to government that serves the people rather than rules over them. The ruinous debts and anti-enterprise policies of today threaten more than our near-term economy; unaddressed soon, they will end the promise of upward mobility that our nation has always offered to its young and its poor. And they will end the U.S. leadership which has promoted peace and progress around the world for so many decades. Mitt Romney has proven that he understands what is at stake and is prepared to summon Americans to the changes that will restore the American Dream and our national greatness. I’ll do whatever I’m asked to help him.”

“Governor Daniels’ leadership and service in Indiana should be an example to public officials across the country,” said Mitt Romney. “Governor Daniels shares my background in business, and he has used the principles of the private sector in government. Indiana has been served well by his leadership based on fiscal discipline, smaller government, and a friendly environment for job creators. I am honored to have his support and look forward to working with him to fix our economy and get our country on the right track.”

Background On Governor Daniels:
Governor Daniels was elected as the 49th Governor of Indiana in 2004. Governor Daniels was reelected in 2008 and received the most votes for a statewide official in Indiana history. Prior to his election, Governor Daniels served as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush, CEO of the Hudson Institute, President of Eli Lilly and Company’s North American Pharmaceutical Operations, Chief of Staff to Senator Dick Lugar, and Senior Advisor to President Ronald Reagan.

Self-deprecating Daniels appeared on FOX & Friends this morning to make his announcement. Here’s a portion of the interview (if full video becomes available, it will be posted):

Daniels continued on to state his solid commitment to help The Gov in any way possible.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
April 17, 2012

Joining other top Republican officials, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., endorsed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for president on Tuesday, saying the GOP is united behind the presumptive nominee.

Earlier this month, McConnell avoided giving Romney the nod because the Kentucky primary was approaching. But with former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum dropping out of the race—and basement candidates Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul barely campaigning—the pathway for Romney to gain the nomination against President Obama is much clearer.
[...]
“I support Governor Romney for President of the United States and he is going to be the nominee,” he told reporters. “If you’ve noticed, the party is in the process of unifying behind him. And I think it’s going to be an incredibly close, hard fought race.”

“I think it’s going to be a very, very competitive election. We’re all behind him [Romney] and looking forward to the fall campaign, which is actually already under way.” ~ Mitch McConnell

Thank you Mitch and Mitch!

It’s getting sweeter day by day.

► Jayde Wyatt

UPDATE – After John Boehner endorsed Mitt Romney, he appeared on CBS This Morning. Charlie Rose tried to play hardball:

It’s a triple-header today….

House Speaker John Boehner, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead, and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced today they are standing with Mitt Romney.

As Chairman of the Republican National Convention Aug. 27-30, Speaker Boehner remained neutral throughout the GOP primary. Now that Governor Romney is all-but-official to be the nominee, Boehner offered a hearty endorsement:

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH)

Saying he “will be proud to support Mitt Romney,” House Speaker John Boehner gave the former Massachusetts governor his endorsement Tuesday.

“I think Mitt Romney has a set of economic policies that can put Americans back to work and, frankly, contrast sharply with the failed economic policies of President Obama,” Boehner said. “And I will be proud to support Mitt Romney and do everything I can to help him win.”

Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) have already endorsed The Gov.

From the wonderful Equality State, where women were first granted the right to vote, comes today’s endorsement from Wyoming Governor Matt Mead:

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead

“I am proud to have Governor Mead’s support,” said Mitt Romney. “With his help, we can defeat President Obama, reverse the failures of the last three years, and change the direction of the country. I look forward to his efforts as we work to make government smaller, create jobs, and ensure that future generations are not burdened with debt.”

“Very few leaders come along with the breadth of experience and knowledge of the economy as Mitt Romney,” said Governor Mead. “At this moment in our nation’s history, with economic uncertainty at home and instability abroad, we need a leader like Mitt Romney to strengthen our economy and maintain America’s place in the world. I am proud to stand with Mitt and will work my hardest to get him elected in November.”

Background On Matt Mead:

Governor Mead is the 32nd Governor of Wyoming. Mead was elected in 2010 and currently serves on the Council of Governors, which advises top federal officials on matters related to the National Guard. He also co-chairs the National Governors Association’s Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety. A recent poll shows that Governor Mead has a 77% approval rating.

Prior to his election, Mead was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as U.S. Attorney for Wyoming from 2001 to 2007. Mead has worked in private practice and as a local, state and federal prosecutor. He and his wife Carol operate a farm and ranch business in southeast Wyoming.

From the Keystone State, where a Jefferson Republican victory rally in October 1802 saw Pennsylvania toasted as the keystone in the federal union, comes the enthusiastic endorsement from Governor Tom Corbett:

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett

“I’m extraordinarily proud to earn Tom’s support,” said Mitt Romney. “Tom has been a wonderful leader for Pennsylvania and shares my values of spurring economic security through scaling back the size of government and promoting pro-growth policies. There is no doubt that Pennsylvania will be a crucial state in November. With Tom’s help, I know that I will be able to share my vision of restoring American greatness to Pennsylvania voters.”

“Now that the long primary season has ended, it is time for Republicans to come together and unite around the one candidate who can defeat Barack Obama and institute a bold conservative vision that we need in Washington,” said Governor Tom Corbett. “That is why I am heartily endorsing Mitt Romney. Our country needs a president who will reverse President Obama’s failed policies and ensure an opportunity for all Americans to prosper. Mitt Romney will restore fiscal sanity to Washington by cutting spending, lowering taxes, and reforming entitlements.”

Background On Tom Corbett:

Tom Corbett was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 2010. Corbett served two terms as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General. He was also the United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania from 1989 until 1993. Corbett and his wife Susan have two children.

Newsy…

Santorum still hasn’t endorsed Romney:

To crystallize the point that he isn’t going to make an endorsement in the immediate future, Santorum told his supporters that it was entirely up to them who to vote for in next week’s Pennsylvania primary. “I haven’t supported any candidate at this point,” he said.

And, Santorum sent out a mailing still ripping Romney:

The Des Moines Register reports that a week after he quit the presidential race, a fundraising letter from Rick Santorum arrived in Iowa mailboxes saying, “It truly frightens me to think what’ll happen if Mitt Romney is the nominee.”

“The blunt message quickly had Republicans here speculating: Did Santorum order up the mailer right before he suspended his campaign on April 10, so its timing was just a simple and understandable mistake? Or, did Santorum, who is still raising money and possibly not quite ready to come to grips with his loss, send this wording out deliberately?”

Meanwhile, after Newt Gingrich’s Utah ballot check bounced and he said it was “one of those goofy things” and after making news for being bitten by a penguin, I guess it was too much for Gingrich’s campaign chief, Michael Krull. He quietly departed from the campaign yesterday.

Ron Paul is still doing his thing.

Team Romney is kicking it up! The inner circle is expanding and Beth Myers is on the hunt for a V.P.

Cheers!

(emphasis added to endorsements)

► Jayde Wyatt

From Newsmax:

“[The GOP nominee is] going to be Mitt Romney and I am going to support him 100 percent and hopefully we’ll get a Republican back in the White House,” the country music superstar told Newsmax.TV in an interview at the National Rifle Association’s convention in St. Louis.

Adkins, who says he’s a “huge supporter of the NRA,” said he felt it was important to elect a GOP president.

“I don’t like the direction that Democrats want to take this country,” he said. “I’ve been a Republican since I registered to vote in 1980.”

It’s been over 10 months since the race began.

It turned out to be a marathon, not a 50 yard dash. Some GOP primary runners sprinted off the starting line, others jogged. As the contest proceeded, some forged ahead then faltered, surged then slogged, took the lead then limped away.

Along with blistered feet, there was blistering rhetoric. We’ve heard warm-up and wind-down speeches and everything in between. It’s been a real spectator sport and at times, a spectacle. But, mostly, it’s been spectacular. Every runner enriched the race. Each competitor pushed the others to run stronger, better.

While not officially over, the tape stretching across the primary finish line is, at last, in sight.

Who do we see coming down the home stretch?

We see the runner who was oft derided because he didn’t grandstand. The runner marginalized because he was steady. The runner who gauged his pace while others flashed past. We see the runner whose lifelong preparation, principles, and message gave him the strength to recover from bumps in the road. We see the runner who wasn’t rash, but knew when to rush. We see the runner who, in the end, proved he had the stamina and stuff to win…

Mitt Romney.

Carl M. Cameron (Real Clear Politics) writes:

Resilient Romney Bests His Last GOP Challenger

… Romney… proved to have one key prerequisite to running a competitive general election campaign: He can take a punch. When he got decked, which happened repeatedly, sometimes by his own corner, Mitt Romney picked himself off the canvas and began launching haymakers on whatever rival was standing in his way — and there were several of them.

… No Republican candidate ever captured the nomination after having trailed so many rivals at one time or another in straw votes, fundraising, public opinion polls, and buzz. They came at him in waves, as though they were running a relay race and Romney was running a marathon by himself. In the ended, he bested the entire tag team of Trump, Bachmann, Perry, Cain, Gingrich & Santorum.

Romney’s last two competitors are trotting a mile behind:

One Romney adviser said Tuesday that the campaign would mostly refrain from engaging Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, although both men vowed in similar language to remain in the race as the conservative alternative to the front-runner. The focus, this Romneyite said, would be “on Obama and bringing the Republican Party together.”

Senator Pat Toomey offers advice to spectators determined to defeat Obama:

“Now is the time for conservatives to rally around Gov. Romney and help deliver a victory in Pennsylvania and America this November,” conservative Sen. Pat Toomey said in a statement issued hours after Santorum’s withdrawal. “I am confident Gov. Romney will be a great president and will return our country to the conservative principles that make our nation great.”

Toomey represents Pennsylvania, a state Obama carried four years ago by 10 points. But with the sour national economy, the most recent polling shows it much closer than the race between Obama and McCain — and it’s not a state that Romney’s forces are planning to concede to the Democrats. As for the 11 states Romney lost to Santorum, for the most part they were either low-turnout caucus states or places such as Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri and North Dakota, where Republicans should win in November.

Cameron continues:

So perhaps there has been no lasting harm to Romney’s general election chances, despite all the punches that have landed on that still-handsome mug. But many conservatives remain wary. They will watch how Romney campaigns from now on, whom he picks as a running mate …

While politicos will now chatter about V.P. possibilities and we Romney supporters are breathing somewhat of a sigh of relief, we understand it’s a time for others to catch their breath, reflect, and face reality. Governor Romney earned the right to grip the GOP baton. He will be the one to take the race to Obama. Each participant made the race ever so exciting. Sincere thanks to all.

We hope all who love America and our opportunity society will soon rally to Romney. Like Senator Toomey said, we need everyone to chime in, cheer the baton-bearer, and help chase Obama from the White House.

Believe in Romney.

He can win this thing.

Then, America wins.

(emphasis added to article)

► Jayde Wyatt

CBS-Philly:
Santorum’s move to suspend his bid removes the last significant obstacle in Romney’s now all-but-certain march to the Republican presidential nomination.

More details to come….

WaPo report: Rick Santorum will announce today that he is suspending his presidential campaign

— Emily Chang (@emilychangtv) April 10, 2012

UPDATE 1:

Santo called Romney today to tell him RT @NBCNews: NBC News confirms: Rick Santorum will suspend his campaign for President. #Decision2012

— Garrett Haake (@GarrettNBCNews) April 10, 2012

UPDATE 2: Live video coverage of Santorum’s announcement. Announcement over. We will post video if we find it.

UPDATE 3: “Romney vs Obama” trending worldwide on Twitter right now.

UPDATE 4: Santorum’s announcement is over. He cites “being behind in the polls” and attending to his daughter’s health for suspending his campaign. He also mentions a campaign that exceeded expectations: won 11 states, and millions of votes, and won more counties than the other candidates. No mention of Romney or the other candidates.

UPDATE 5: Email from Romney Campaign:

I Congratulate Senator Santorum on the Campaign He Ran

Senator Santorum is an able and worthy competitor, and I congratulate him on the campaign he ran. He has proven himself to be an important voice in our party and in the nation. We both recognize that what is most important is putting the failures of the last three years behind us and setting America back on the path to prosperity

UPDATE 6:

Santorum spox Gidley says Romney has asked Santorum for a sitdown to officially ask for his endorsement

— Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) April 10, 2012

UPDATE 7: Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich continue their virtually obsolete campaigns.

Statement from Ron Paul spokesman:

Congratulations to Senator Santorum on running such a spirited campaign. Dr. Paul is now the last – and real – conservative alternative to Mitt Romney. We plan to continue running hard, secure delegates, and press the fight for limited, constitutional government in Tampa.

Gingrich statement:

Rick has waged a remarkable campaign. His success is a testament to his tenacity and the power of conservative principles. I am committed to staying in this race all the way to Tampa so that the conservative movement has a real choice. I humbly ask Senator Santorum’s supporters to visit Newt.org to review my conservative record and join us as we bring these values to Tampa. We know well that only a conservative can protect life, defend the Constitution, restore jobs and growth and return to a balanced budget.

UPDATE 8: Rick Scott, Lindsey Graham, Bobby Jindal, Pat Toomey, and Terry Branstad each throw in their endorsements for Mitt Romney.

UPDATE 9: Finally… the video:

Welcome to all the new visitors to our site! We encourage everyone who can to show their support of Gov. Romney with a small donation to the campaign to defeat President Obama.

A creative Romney supporter (BornFree1791) has crafted a video compilation of some of the important endorsements along the campaign trail for Governor Mitt Romney:

Watch key players as they throw their support to Mitt Romney in the 2012 Presidential Race and learn why they chose to do so in their own words.

A special endorsement has been included at the end…

A great reminder of the strong support for Governor Romney… We know he values every endorsement he’s received!

► Jayde Wyatt

They packed the hall yesterday at the Faith & Freedom Coalition at the Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin…

Governor Mitt Romney and Wisconsin’s beloved homeboy and rising GOP star, Congressman Paul Ryan, both speakers at the event, inspired the crowd with their remarks. While speaking, Romney did not mention his GOP primary opponents and focused on President Obama (he also worked in a good comment about Joe Biden). At the conclusion of Ryan’s speech, he introduced The Gov with another strong endorsement (SEE VIDEO BELOW).

◆ Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum also participated – but the latter did something that raised eyebrows…

WAUKESHA, Wis. — The current state of the Republican nominating contest was on display in Wisconsin on Saturday, with underdog Rick Santorum vigorously slamming front-runner Mitt Romney, while the former Massachusetts governor ignored his GOP rivals and focused solely on President Barack Obama.
[...]
Santorum’s rhetoric against a fellow Republican is a departure from the typical remarks candidates have given at previous Faith and Freedom events held this campaign season. The group draws a variety of GOP voters, and one candidate bad-mouthing another is usually avoided. But the former Pennsylvania senator did not tone down the attacks he frequently uses on the stump.

◆ MSNBC Nightly News Report March 31, 2012:

Santorum, speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press today, vowed that even if he loses in Wisconsin, he’s staying in the race:

The former Pennsylvania senator dismisses the notion that a prolonged primary would harm the party’s chances against President Barack Obama in November. Santorum says GOP establishment figures are making that argument to convince voters that “they need Mitt Romney shoved down their throats.”


… 
Santorum said he needs to win Pennsylvania’s primary on April 24.


While speaking at the F&F forum, Santorum and Gingrich both referred to Congressman Ryan, but notice the interesting difference:

While Gingrich called the congressman “a great guy,” Santorum referred to Ryan as “some other Wisconsinite.”

Maggie Haberman (Politico) writes:

Since Ryan’s endorsement, Santorum has been largely silent about the rising Republican Party star on the campaign trail. When asked about the endorsement by reporters, Santorum brushed it off, saying: “What I find out is that most endorsements are worth one vote.”

Besides the lies he tells about Governor Romney, Santorum’s rancorous, uncouth, and gauche behavior serves as a continual poke-in-the-eye reminder of why he should not get anywhere near the Oval Office. For someone who claims he got in the GOP presidential race because of “God’s calling” one would think he’d try to do a better job emulating the supposed caller.

By the way, the Romney and Ron Paul campaigns have filed a joint complaint citing “serious and prejudicial misconduct” from Santorum supporters at a previously-held Missouri county caucus.

◆ Here’s video of Wisconsin’s Faith & Freedom forum:
Newt Gingrich: @5:00
Paul Ryan: @25:20
Mitt Romney: @40:45
Rick Santorum: @1hr:29

◆ After speaking at the F&F conference, Gov Romney and Ryan headed to Muskego, WI, to host a town hall meeting. D.G. Jackson, Romney’s campaign shadow, videoed The Gov and Paul Ryan before going on stage:

The Gov and Ryan also spent time at a phone bank in Madison for Governor Scott Walker.

◆ GOOD NEWS…

Earlier this morning on NBC’s Meet the Press, Tea Party favorite Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson endorsed Romney:

Read more…

After spending time on the House floor yesterday overseeing the passing of his budget plan, Congressman Paul Ryan (Republican Chairman of the House Budget Committee) appeared this morning on FOX & Friends to. . .

ENDORSE MITT ROMNEY!

“I am convinced that Mitt Romney has the skills, the tenacity, the courage and the principles to get America back on track.”

Coming on the heels of endorsements from President Bush 41 and Senator Marco Rubio, the backing from Ryan essentially signals a primary wind-up.

It’s over.

Ryan said he’d put in an earlier call to Rick Santorum to alert him of his pending endorsement of Romney. He also stressed the fact that America is at a crossroads and the necessity of coalescing now behind Governor Romney.

Ryan’s endorsement comes just day’s ahead of Wisconsin’s primary (his home state).

Stay tuned for more details!

UPDATE: When asked who he will support, here is what Paul Ryan said:

Mitt Romney. Here is the point, we vote on Tuesday here in Wisconsin. Lots of my friends, family and supporters are asking me, who do we think we should vote for? I have two criteria I’m using to make my decision to vote in our primary on Tuesday. Who is the best person to be President – who will make the best President? And who has the best chance of defeating Barak Obama? In my opinion, Mitt Romney is clearly that person.

Here’s the other point. I spent a good deal of time with Mitt Romney and his staff recently going through our country’s fiscal situation, talking about what it will take to get the country back on track. I am convinced Mitt Romney has the skills, the tenacity, the principles, the courage and the integrity to do what it takes to get America back on track. So I believe he’s the right person for the job. And I think this primary has been productive, I think it’s been constructive up until now. I think it’s made the candidates better. But I think we’re entering a phase where it could become counterproductive if it drags on much longer. That’s why I think we as conservatives need to coalesce around Mitt Romney and focus on the big task at hand, which is defeating Barak Obama in the fall.

UPDATE 2 - Governor Romney tweeted:

With @RepPaulRyan’s support, I have every confidence that we can begin the hard work of setting our country on a better course.

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) March 30, 2012

UPDATE 3 - From The Washington Post

Wisconsin is holding its primary on Tuesday, but Ryan’s endorsement will resonates far outside his home state. Ryan, a proponent of deep cuts in entitlements and agency funding, has become the leading voice on debt and spending issues in the Republican party.

His blessing of Romney comes on the heels of endorsements from former Florida governor Jeb Bush, former president George H.W. Bush and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)–clear signs that Republican leaders young and old, from both the tea party and establishment wings, are ready for this primary season to be over.

UPDATE 4 - Romney’s statement:

“When the history of this chapter of American politics is written, I venture to say that Paul Ryan will occupy a significant place in the story of how our country rescued itself from financial disaster. Congressman Ryan has not only thought deeply and creatively about how to bring our extraordinary budget shortfall under control, but he has demonstrated the leadership to bring Americans together to put his bold reforms into practice. In the battle for fiscal responsibility, we have been facing gale force headwinds from the Democratic Party and from the Obama White House. But with Paul Ryan’s support, I have every confidence that we can overcome those headwinds, recapture the White House for the American people, and begin the hard work of setting our country on a better course. I am profoundly grateful to Congressman Ryan for his endorsement today. I am even more grateful for all the hard work he has done to help turn around our country and restore it to greatness.”

(emphasis added)

► Jayde Wyatt