Mitt Romney Gets Backing of Dennis Hastert and Thad Cochran

Former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts announced the endorsements of prominent Republican leaders on Wednesday as the likes of former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert backed the front-runner for their partys presidential nomination.

Hastert -- along with longtime U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi, U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert of Illinois and former U.S. Rep. Susan Molinari of New York -- came out praising Romney on Wednesday.

During my years in the House, I was an advocate for balanced budgets and low taxes, said Hastert in a statement. Mitt Romney stands up for these principles. President Obama has failed to get millions of unemployed Americans back to work. From his success in the private sector, Mitt Romney understands how to create jobs and turn around this economy. At this critical moment, our country needs his leadership in the White House.

Our country cannot afford another four years of President Obamas policies, said Cochran. Mitt Romney has the pro-growth message and the unmatched experience that will be required to improve our economy. I am proud to support him.