Romney increases lead in congressional endorsements

Coming off a victory Saturday in the Iowa straw poll, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) picked up the endorsement of Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.) Tuesday and increased his slim lead in congressional support among Republican White House hopefuls.

{mosads}Romney is edging away from Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who now trails Romney 29-27, according to The Hill’s lawmaker endorsements list. The GOP presidential candidate next most endorsed by members of Congress is former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, whom 21 lawmakers support. Undeclared candidate Fred Thompson, former senator from Tennessee, has been endorsed by 18 members of Congress.

“Congressman Ehlers is the first research physicist to serve in Congress, and he recognizes that we must recommit ourselves to American innovation in order to meet a new generation of challenges,” said Romney, who has stressed investment in emerging technologies as part of his campaign. “I am grateful to have his support and look forward to working with him to bring a new vision to Washington.”

Ehlers, an eight-term congressman, cited Romney’s character as a reason for his endorsement.

“When I evaluate candidates, I look first for integrity, competence, and a good, common sense philosophy of governance,” the lawmaker said. “Mitt Romney scores astoundingly high on all points.”