Mississippi Gov. Bryant Endorses Romney

You can add Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant to the list of establishment Republicans endorsing presidential front-runner Mitt Romney. Bryant’s endorsement announcement came Thursday, just five days before Mississippi’s primary, The Hill reports.

The latest Mississippi poll on Real Clear Politics, conducted by Rasmussen Reports Thursday, shows former Massachusetts Gov. Romney leading with 35 percent support among likely primary voters. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich are tied for second with 27 percent support, and Texas Rep. Ron Paul trails with 6 percent.

Bryant’s endorsement focused on Romney’s policy ideas, experience, and ability to beat President Barack Obama, The Hill reports. “Our country must have a Republican nominee who can defeat President Barack Obama and turn America around to get back on the right track," Bryant said.

"I am encouraged and supportive of Gov. Romney's conservative policies on key issues like more American energy development, cracking down on illegal immigration, and putting in place job creation policies that will jumpstart our economy. As a former governor, he understands how to make tough choices as a chief executive."

Despite Romney’s lead in the poll, election experts see Mississippi as very fertile territory for both Santorum and Gingrich, according to The Hill.