Pawlenty Endorses Romney In GOP Race

WASHINGTON (AP) - Tim Pawlenty is endorsing Mitt Romney for president. That's the word from Romney's campaign.

Pawlenty is a former Minnesota governor who dropped out of the GOP nomination race last month after a poor showing in the Iowa straw poll.

In an email to supporters sent by the Romney campaign early Monday, Pawlenty says that Romney alone -- quote -- possesses the unique qualifications to confront and master our severe economic predicament.

Pawlenty says he believes Romney can turn around the economy.

And he called Romney a man of great character and principle. He says he's proud to stand with Romney and asks others to join him.

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