Romney Seeks Key Beltway Endorsements

By Mike Hothi

Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is in Washington today in an effort to secure key endorsements from Republicans in Congress.

Multiple news outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, have reported that the GOP frontrunner is participating in a series of events in and around Capitol Hill to raise money and persuade lawmakers into backing his campaign.

On Tuesday night, Romney met with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R-Va.) for several fundraisers in Northern Virginia. McDonnell has not endorsed a candidate but his appearance at the event raised eyebrows.

Romney began his day today with a breakfast held at the American Trucking Association, in an event co-hosted by a slew of prominent DC lobbyists and lawmakers that have endorsed him.

Later, the former governor of Massachusetts is to attend an event at the Republican National Committee headquarters that will be headlined by House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). Other attendees include GOP candidates Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.

Romney’s trip comes as some conservative Republicans have cozied up to the idea of a Romney candidacy. The Times noted that Reps. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and 23 other House members along with four Senators have already endorsed him for President.

However, Romney is currently lacking endorsements from legislators in early battleground states like Iowa, New Hampshire, or South Carolina.