GOP congressional members slow to endorse

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Congressional endorsements are noticeably absent in the 2012 Republican U.S. presidential primary -- just six weeks before the Iowa caucuses.

Republican lawmakers and GOP strategists say the lack of endorsements -- only 66 GOP members have publicly backed a candidate so far -- can be attributed in part to Congress' dismal approval ratings, a lack of enthusiasm for nominal front-runner Mitt Romney and not a whole lot of confidence that any Romney's opponents can beat him, Roll Call reported Monday.

"I want to wait and see who appeals to the grass-roots conservatives, and so far that hasn't happened. I'd like to be able to say I'm supporting conservatives around the country with this candidate," said Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina.

DeMint, who represents a key early state, isn't the only lawmaker sitting on the sidelines. Among others who decided not to endorse are Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Marco Rubio of Florida while Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Rep. Steve King of Iowa are on the fence, Roll Call said.

One GOP member said most Republicans expect Romney to be the nominee but there "is not the same enthusiasm" for him as there has been for front-runners in the past.

Republican strategists said congressional members have shown indifference about the rest of the field.