John Thune Backs Mitt Romney for GOP Nod in 2012

U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., announced on Wednesday that he is backing former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts for the Republican presidential nomination. Thune, who defeated then-Democratic Senate Leader Tom Daschle in 2004, had considered making a bid for the GOP nomination himself.

I am honored to have Senator Thunes support, Romney said in a statement. On the issues that I have been fighting for in my campaign -- creating a better business environment, lessening the regulatory burden, and ending Washingtons 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 Obamas failed policies, and reform Washington.

The next election will be the most important in generations, said Thune. We can choose to continue on the same path with four more years of President Obamas failed policies or we can choose a leader who has the needed experience to lead an economic recovery. 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. His plans to revitalize the private sector and restore our countrys fiscal health are drawn from his 25-year career as a conservative businessman. Washington could use these common-sense principles at such a critical time.