Romney scores key conservative backing

The man credited with coining the phrase “Moral Majority,” leading conservative Paul Weyrich, is endorsing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s (R) bid for president.

{mosads}Weyrich is the chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Research and Education Foundation, and was the founding president of the Heritage Foundation.

“As he travels across the country, Governor Romney has outlined a blueprint to build a stronger America rooted in our common conservative principles,” Weyrich stated.

Weyrich’s backing is a major coup for Romney, who has sought to calm whatever fears religious and social conservatives might have about his Mormon faith and concerns they might have about his stances on key issues, such as abortion and gay marriage.

“Paul Weyrich has put his stamp on the conservative movement in this country,” Romney said. “It is an honor to have his support and counsel. Through our efforts, we can work to ensure that Washington always stands on the side of building stronger American families.”