Romney Announces Support from South Carolina Leaders

Hoping to garner support in the Palmetto State and to win his third primary state victory, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney released a list of notable South Carolinians who are backing him in his run for president.

Just two months ago, few gave Romney a chance to win in South Carolina. But the latest polling averages from Real Clear Politics give Romney a 10-point lead over both former Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Romney already has the support of the state's first female leader, Gov. Nikki Haley, .

On Wednesday, Romney added to his list of supporters: Robert Bolchoz, a businessman and former prosecutor; Henry Brown, former representative of the 1st Congressional District; Cindy Costa, RNC National Committeewoman; Sen. Ronnie Cromer, who represents Senate District 18; Speaker Pro Tempore Jay Lucas, of the S.C. House of Representatives; Knox White, Mayor of Greenville, S.C.; and Gene Wise, chairman of Kershaw County Council.

“These leaders share my vision that free people, not government, are what makes this country great,” Romney said. “With their continued hard work, we can turn this country around and ensure that it continues to be the greatest nation on Earth.”

Columbia lawmaker Cromer, in a release from the Romney campaign, said that Romney shared the values that South Carolinians want in the next president.

“Whether it has been in business, the Olympics, leading a state, or in his family life, Mitt Romney has displayed the virtues and leadership quality that we want in our President," Cromer said "His economic plan to revitalize the economy and bring fiscal sanity to Washington stand head-and-shoulders above the rest of the field and stand in stark contrast to President Obama’s failure to create jobs and get spending under control. If conservatives are looking for a candidate who will not only share their values, but put them into action, they need to look no further than Mitt Romney.”

Hartsville legislator Lucas said that Romney understands what it takes to create jobs and believes his conservative leadership is what the country needs.

“Having spent his life in the private sector, Mitt Romney knows exactly what it takes to grow the economy and create jobs," Lucas said. "He will put in place the kind of limited government principles that will help get our nation back on the right track and is the best candidate to win in November.”

Upstate leader White said Romney will turn around the economy.

“Mitt Romney has put forth a pro-growth jobs plan that will help turn around our economy and get America working again,” White said. “Mitt Romney believes in America and will work to restore the founding principles that have made our country great by returning to a ‘smaller, simpler, and smarter’ federal government.”