Tom Ridge Backs Mitt Romney for President

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney continued to look to poach Pennsylvania from GOP rival Rick Santorum, who represented the Keystone State for two terms in the U.S. Senate, on Wednesday when he unveiled the support of Tom Ridge.

Besides serving as governor of Pennsylvania, Ridge served as the first secretary of Homeland Security under George W. Bush. Ridge had backed former Gov. Jon Huntsman of Utah earlier in the election cycle.

It is an honor to have Governor Ridges support, said Romney in a statement on Wednesday. There are few leaders who have such a distinguished record of service to our country. As a combat soldier in Vietnam, he fought with bravery and distinction. As a congressman and governor, he was a tireless servant for Pennsylvania. And as secretary of Homeland Security, he kept our country safe from those who wished to harm us. I am humbled to have his endorsement and welcome Governor Ridges counsel.