Santorum wins endorsement of conservative activist Richard Viguerie

GOP presidential hopeful Rick Santorum received the endorsement of prominent conservative activist Richard Viguerie.

The campaign announced the endorsement on Tuesday. Viguerie endorsed Santorum Monday.

Viguerie is considered the mastermind behind political direct mailers. The Santorum campaign cited The Nation magazine's description of Viguerie as "one of the 'creators of the modern conservative movement.' "

Viguerie said he decided on backing the former Pennsylvania senator over the weekend during a meeting in Texas of 150 social conservative leaders looking to rally the movement's support behind one candidate. While the decision was not unanimous, after three rounds of balloting, the group moved to back Santorum in the GOP contest.

"I urge you to join me in supporting Rick Santorum as the most electable conservative in the race for the Republican nomination for President," Viguerie said according to the press release. 

Santorum also announced Tuesday the support of John Stemberger, a prominent conservative activist in Florida and former director of the state's Republican Party.

—This story was updated at 12:00 p.m.

---