Mitt Romney Doubles Down on Florida Republicans in Congress

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney doubled down his bets on Florida Republicans as Free and Strong America PAC, a leadership group with ties to the former and almost certainly future candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, supported incumbents in Congress.

There are many important issues facing Congress and the nation, said Romney. By showing our support for Republican candidates who are fighting for conservative principles in Washington, we hope to influence the national debate on jobs, taxes, the economy and the budget.

The PAC gave endorsements of $2,000 to U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster and U.S. Rep. Allen West.

This marks the third wave of contributions that Romneys PAC has given Republicans in Congress.

Romneybacked only one U.S. Senate candidate in this wave of endorsements -- U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg who is running out in Montana. While Romney was supposed to meet with Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, on Thursday, weather postponed the meeting. Romneys camp appears to be sitting out the Republican primary to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, though one of their first contributions of 2011 went to U.S. Rep. Connie Mack who may also jump into the GOP primary field.