Haley Endorses Romney for President

Gov. Nikki Haley, one of the few remaining big-name Republicans who had not endorsed a candidate for president, today threw her support behind former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Haley will serve as co-chair of Romney for President’s National Steering Committee.

“It is an honor to have the endorsement of Governor Haley,” said Mitt Romney, in a news release. “As a successful businesswoman who entered public service so government could better serve the people, Governor Haley’s career-long efforts to reform government, make government more accountable to the taxpayers, and fight wasteful spending should be examples for leaders across the country. These conservative principles of smaller government are what I am fighting for in my campaign and will be the basis for restoring economic prosperity and fiscal health.”

Despite her own troubles in the polls, Haley's approval has been highly sought after, according to a Washington Post story.

Haley has played "hostess" (her word) as she welcomed for overnight visits Rep. Michele Bachmann, Newt and Callista Gingrich and Ann Romney -- in 2008, Haley backed former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who dropped by Haley's office recently, the newspaper reports.

“The election next November will have ramifications for generations,” Haley said. “Neither South Carolina nor the nation can afford four more years of President Obama, and Mitt Romney is the right person to take him on and get America back on track.  He is a conservative businessman who has spent his life working in the economy, and he understands exactly how jobs are created.  He is not a creature of Washington, and he knows what it means to make decisions – real decisions – not simply cast a vote.  Our country will need real leadership to undo President Obama’s failed policies, and replace them with the conservative principles Mitt Romney learned turning around businesses and a failing Olympics and successfully, conservatively governing a Democratic state. I am proud to endorse him and will work my hardest to ensure he is elected so we can turn around our country.”

The endorsement couldn't come soon enough for Romney, in need of a lift as he now trails frontrunner Newt Gingrich in polls in four of the first five voting states, including South Carolina. With just six weeks remaining before voters here head to the polls, say they are undecided about who they will support in the election.

Romney embarks on a Palmetto State tour Friday  and .