Pawlenty endorses Romney for president

Less than a month after dropping out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is throwing his support behind Mitt Romney.

Pawlenty made the endorsement of Romney in an early Monday email.

“Alone among the contenders, he possesses the unique qualifications to confront and master our severe economic predicament,” Pawlenty wrote. “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.”

Pawlenty cited Romney’s experience as governor of Massachusetts and as a “family man.”

“[Romney] believes in the bedrock conservative ideals of limited government and free enterprise. He will stand up for America’s allies when they are threatened, with fortitude. And he will face down our adversaries,” Pawlenty wrote. “He is a formidable person, and he will certainly be a formidable president. Our allies can count on it, and our enemies should expect it.”

Romney responded by naming Pawlenty as a national co-chair of his campaign.

“It is an honor to have Governor Pawlenty’s support,” said Mitt Romney on his website. “Tim will be a trusted adviser as I move forward with my campaign. Tim has always been an advocate for lower taxes, reduced spending, and an environment where jobs can be created.”

The two candidates had tangled earlier on the campaign trail when Pawlenty coined the phrase “Obamneycare,” comparing Romney’s Massachusetts health plan to that offered by Pres. Barack Obama.

A number of Pawlenty supporters have backed Romney in recent weeks. Romney currently faces a surge in the polls by Texas Gov. Rick Perry.