Cochran backs Bush presidential bid

by Ben Kamisar - 12/08/15 1:52 PM ET

Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) has endorsed Jeb Bush’s presidential campaign as the former governor continues to lead in congressional endorsements despite lackluster polling.

“Jeb Bush is the proven leader the American people need as we face grave threats from abroad and continued economic challenges at home,” Cochran said in a statement released by the campaign.

{mosads}”Jeb is a serious leader with executive experience and a forward-looking vision. He offers real solutions to lead our nation, to return more power to the states and to keep us secure. I’m confident Jeb Bush will make America strong and safe and free again.”

CNN first reported on the endorsement.

Bush is backed by three other GOP senators, including Susan Collins (Maine), Orrin Hatch (Utah) and Dean Heller (Nevada), as well as 26 members of the House.

Despite leading the pack in Congressional endorsements, Bush received most in the summer, when he led in the polls. Bush has had eight since October, according to the FiveThirtyEight endorsement tracker.

Bush currently sits in fifth place nationally in the RealClearPolitics average of recent polling and sixth in the organization’s rankings in New Hampshire, a state increasingly seen as a must-win for the former Florida governor.

Rival Floridian, Sen. Marco Rubio, who is on the rise in polls, has received 15 Congressional endorsements since October.

Tags Jeb Bush Thad Cochran