WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's bid to be the Republican presidential nominee.
Among the Republican contenders, Romney "possesses the unique qualifications to confront and master our severe economic predicament, Pawlenty, who dropped out of the GOP sweepstakes after the Iowa straw poll, wrote in the National Review Monday. "His abiding faith in our country's exceptional historical position as a beacon of freedom will make him the most important leader in a world that depends upon a strong America to stay at peace."
Barack Obama became president amid a great economic crisis, but failed to meet the challenges, Pawlenty wrote.
"Although hopes were high, he [Obama] did not rise to the occasion," he said. "Now that the clouds of enthusiasm and excitement have parted, we see he was obviously unsuited for the task at hand."
"Fortunately, America may get a second chance: Mitt Romney is running for president, and I am proud to endorse him."
Romney said in a release it was an "honor" to have Pawlenty's support and named the former Minnesota governor as a national co-chairman of his presidential campaign.
"Tim will be a trusted adviser as I move forward with my campaign," Romney said. "Tim has always been an advocate for lower taxes, reduced spending and an environment where jobs can be created. It is an honor to have him serve as [co-chairman] to my campaign for the presidency."
"Mitt Romney is fighting for the same things I fought for as governor and during my campaign for president," Pawlenty said. "[He] has a background which is unmatched -- his understanding of the private sector proves he knows how jobs are created which will be critical in turning our economy around."
