Prominent GOP donor backs Romney after Christie declines run

Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, who was among the most vocal supporters of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's potential bid for the White House, has now decided to sign on to Mitt Romney's campaign.

Langone, a billionaire venture capitalist, was among several prominent GOP donors who had resisted siding with a candidate until Christie made his decision. Earlier this year, Langone organized a fundraiser for New Jersey Republicans attended by Christie, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and other Republican donors.

But now that the governor has made his decision final, Langone has decided to back Romney, indicating that the big-money donors behind the GOP will likely move from the sidelines to align with candidates. Several donors have thus far stayed out of the race as they waited for the Republican field to crystalize.

Langone's decision could also indicate that another dark-horse Republican candidate isn't seriously considering a run. Langone had supported former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 2008; reports last week had Guiliani talking to donors and state officials in New Hampshire as he weighed entering the race.

The Boston Globe reported that Romney raised around $12 million in the quarter that ended last Friday, down from $18 million in the previous quarter and trailing Rick Perry, who brought in over $15 million since entering the race.

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