Congressman Paul Ryan Endorses Mitt Romney

Ryan thinks that the continued primary campaign is counter-productive:

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) endorsed former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney on Friday morning.

The House budget chairman announced his endorsement on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends,” saying that while the primary has “been constructive up until now,” it could soon become “counterproductive. [sic]

“We need to coalesce as conservatives” around a nominee, he said. “I am convinced that Mitt Romney has the skills, the tenacity, the principles and the courage to put America back on track." He added that Romney “has the best chance of defeating Barack Obama in the fall.”

Wisconsin votes on April 3, but Ryan’s endorsement also resonates far outside home state. Ryan has become the leading voice on debt and spending issues in the Republican party.

His blessing comes on the heels of endorsements from former Florida president Jeb Bush, former president George H.W. Bush and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a clear sign that Republican leaders young and old, from both the tea party and establishment wings, are ready for this primary season to be over.

Although, I would think that Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich (and Ron Paul too!) would not describe their campaigns as "counterproductive". Maybe.

I think that we have to give credit to Matt Lewis at The Daily Caller -- as he was the first to report this news:

A reliable source tells TheDC that a Paul Ryan endorsement of Mitt Romney is imminent.

The timing seems to fit. Rep. Ryan wrapped up his Presidential Trust Duties today. The House just passed his budget. And with the Wisconsin primary right around the corner on Tuesday, Ryan’s endorsement could be doubly effective.

What is more, coming on the heels of Sen. Marco Rubio’s endorsement Wednesday night and President George H.W. Bush’s endorsement Thursday, this would be yet another example of the Republican old guard — and the up-and-coming conservative establishment — coalescing around Romney as the inevitable nominee.

So, the "establishment" Republicans are starting to coalesce around Mitt Romney. I wonder what the reaction from the, errr, non-establishment Republicans will be...