Romney snags Dennis Hastert, more endorsements

Mitt Romney snagged endorsements from former Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert (Ill.), Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.) and Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) Wednesday, adding to his list of congressional endorsements that already leads the field of hopeful Republican presidential nominees.

All three of the endorsements emphasized Romney’s experience in their choice of candidate. 

“During my years in the House, I was an advocate for balanced budgets and low taxes,” Hastert said in a statement released by Romney's campaign. “Mitt Romney stands up for these principles. President Obama has failed to get millions of unemployed Americans back to work. From his success in the private sector, Mitt Romney understands how to create jobs and turn around this economy. At this critical moment, our country needs his leadership in the White House.”

Hastert followed Newt Gingrich, now a GOP candidate, as House Speaker in 1999 and served for eight years, earning him distinction as the longest-serving Republican House Speaker. Hastert also endorsed Romney during his 2008 bid for the nomination.