The First Homerun of the Game

 According to Fox News, on the same steps, that JFK announced his presidential candidacy in 1960, Mitt Romney stood in front of Nashua City Hall and secured a key endorsement by first term New Hampshire Senator, Kelly Ayotte, the biggest “get” so far in the New Hampshire primary sweepstakes.

Ayotte’s Statement:

First, it is imperative that Republicans nominate our strongest candidate to face President Obama. Mitt Romney has proven not only through his prior experience as a successful businessman and governor, but also through his solid campaign and excellent debate performances, that he is that candidate. We cannot afford another four years of a president who continues to bankrupt America and whose policies hurt the very job creators who can get our economy growing again. We can no longer sit on the sidelines and continue to listen to divisive rhetoric which divides our nation. Mitt Romney will be a strong leader who will unite America. With his strong qualifications and executive leadership experience, he will put America on the path to fiscal responsibility to make sure that we don’t continue to crush our children with mountains of debt. Mitt Romney not only eliminated a $3 billion deficit as Massachusetts Governor, he also cut taxes 19 times. And unlike President Obama, Governor Romney has spent most of his career in the private sector and knows how to create good jobs.

Second, Mitt Romney is not only committed to building a stronger economy, but he also believes, as I do, in stronger American leadership abroad. He will remain vigilant in the fight against al Qaeda and Islamist terrorists, and his national security decisions will be based on advice from our military commanders – not political polls. With a rising China and persistent nuclear threats from rogue nations, we need Governor Romney’s strong, steady leadership to vigorously protect American interests. I trust Mitt Romney to keep our country safe in a dangerous world.

Third, I believe Governor Romney will run a campaign against President Obama that is serious, substantive, and one we can be proud of.

Ayotte's is the first of the Republican member of the congressional delegation in New Hampshire to back a candidate, and with Romney looking on, Ayotte, and her husband, promised to play an active role in Romney's campaign.

"Joe and I will be doing everything we can to make sure Mitt Romney is the next president of the United States," she said. "We cannot take four more years of this president."

Romney took to the podium to reciprocate his praise for the freshman Senator, calling her a conservative leader in the "fight to cut spending and create government that is more accountable to the taxpayer."

Romney’s Statement:

“She is a leader of the New Hampshire Republican Party and a rising star on the national stage,” said a Romney aide, who noted she has even been mentioned as a potential vice presidential candidate. “She will be an important surrogate for Governor Romney’s pro-growth message in the Granite State and across the country. In her short time in the U.S. Senate, Senator Ayotte has emerged as a conservative leader in the fight to cut spending and create a government that is more accountable to the taxpayers,” said Mitt Romney. “Throughout her career as a public servant, Senator Ayotte has displayed the virtues that Granite Staters expect from their leaders. She is a tireless worker who understands that she serves the New Hampshire taxpayers – not the other way around – and keeps a watchful eye on how their money is spent. I am honored to have her support and look forward to working with her to put an end to Washington’s spending addiction so that our children and grandchildren will not be burdened by irresponsible policies and endless debt.”

According to MittRomney Central, Ayotte will be co-chair of Romney’s national advisory committee and will be a surrogate for Romney not only in New Hampshire but also in other key states. Although endorsements by top elected officials don’t often sway independent-minded rank-and-file voters in the “Live Free or Die” state, the former attorney general is viewed as the most popular elected Republican in the state and is the party’s top elected official.

Ayotte joins former Gov. John H. Sununu, former U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg and a long list of state lawmakers in Romney’s corner.

Parting Thought:
Romney endorsed Ayotte when she was running for the senatorial seat last fall. Her endorsement of him is significant.

One Hand Washes the Other Right?