Jeb Bush endorses Mitt Romney for president

Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, has endorsed Mitt Romney for president following Romney's win in Tuesday night's Illinois primary.  

“Congratulations to Governor Mitt Romney on his win last night and to all the candidates for a hard fought, thoughtful debate and primary season,”  Bush said in a statement, ABC News reported.

Bush, the brother of former US President George W Bush, also called on members of the Republican party to stand behind Romney.  

“Primary elections have been held in thirty-four states, and now is the time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney and take our message of fiscal conservatism and job creation to all voters this fall. I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our Party’s nomination. We face huge challenges, and we need a leader who understands the economy, recognizes more government regulation is not the answer, believes in entrepreneurial capitalism and works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed.”

Romney also won the primary in Florida, Bush's home state.  

According to NPR, some GOP members had hoped that Bush would mount his own bid for the White House.  

His father, former President George H.W. Bush has also endorsed Romney, ABC News reported.  

More from GlobalPost: Illinois goes convincingly for Romney

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