Mitt Romney's presidential campaign received some very big breaks this last weekend -- the expiration of Sam Brownback's bid; a victory in the Family Research Council straw poll; and the securing of an endorsement from one of the pro-life movement's most venerable leaders, Dr. John Willke (shown at left).Willke had been an ardent supporter of Senator Brownback. But now, the former president of National Right to Life and still a major influence in the movement, has gone so far as to say he will actively promote Romney in Ohio and beyond.
Willke...says he based his endorsement of the former Massachusetts governor on his record in office. "Unlike other candidates who only speak to the importance of confronting the major social issues of the day, Governor Romney has a record of action in defending life," he said in a statement sent to LifeNews.com.
"Every decision he made as Governor was on the side of life. I know he will be the strong pro-life President we need in the White House," Willke added. "Governor Romney is the only candidate who can lead our pro-life and pro-family conservative movement to victory in 2008."
The GOP presidential contender said he was thrilled to receive Willke's endorsement. "I am proud to have the support of a man who has meant so much to the pro-life movement in our country," Governor Romney said.
"He knows how important it is to have someone in Washington who will actively promote pro-life policies," Romney added. "Policies that include more than appointing judges who will follow the law but also opposing taxpayer funded abortion and partial birth abortion."
Willke joins National Right to Life legal counsel Jim Bopp in supporting the Romney campaign, though the organization itself has yet to make a presidential endorsement.
