Former U.S. Senator Don Nickles Endorses Mitt Romney

Brandi Ball, NewsOn6.com

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney today announced the support of Don Nickles, who served Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate for 24 years until 2005.

"My campaign is gaining the support of conservative leaders like Senator Nickles because my message of cutting spending and reducing burdensome regulations is what our economy needs at this critical moment," Romney said in a statement.

"Senator Nickles fought for conservative principles when serving Oklahoma – I hope to continue this fight as president."

Nickles cites President Barack Obama's economic policies as one of the reasons why he has thrown his support behind Romney.

"Conservatives looking to change Washington and reverse the policies of the last three years should look no further than Mitt Romney," Nickles said. "Our country can't afford to continue borrowing trillions of dollars from China to pay for President Obama's big-government, job-killing policies. Mitt Romney spent his life in the private sector and knows you can't keep spending more than you take in – your business will fail if you don't balance your books."

In the five-day polling period ending on Feb. 19, Gallup's national tracking poll of the presidential race shows Rick Santorum has opened up a double-digit lead over Mitt Romney.

Santorum leads with 36 percent, Romney is second with 26 percent, Newt Gingrich is third with 13 percent, and Ron Paul is fourth with 11 percent.

"Unless we elect a proven budget-cutter like Mitt Romney, our country could face a situation like Greece is facing today," Nickles said. "…Oklahoma deserves a proven leader like Mitt Romney."

Nickles served in the U.S. Senate from 1981-2005. Prior to that, he was in the Oklahoma State Senate and worked in his family's business. He is now the Chairman and CEO of The Nickles Group. He supervises the firm's government relations and consulting practices and oversees the management of business development and client issues.