Jan Brewer Scores Win With Mitt Romney Endorsement In Arizona Primary

Romney's Not The Only Winner In Arizona

With Mitt Romney's victory in the Arizona GOP primary on Tuesday, Jan Brewer became the first Republican governor to endorse the winning candidate in his or her own state.

Brewer, who became the governor of the Grand Canyon State in 2009, announced her support for the former Massachusetts governor on NBC's "Meet the Press" earlier this week.

"I think he's the man that can carry the day," she said Sunday. "Mitt is by far the person that can go in and win."

According to a PPP poll conducted earlier in February, Brewer's endorsement could have been a decisive factor for some voters. About 25 percent of likely Republican voters polled said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who had Brewer's stamp of approval.

Until Romney's Arizona victory, the Republican primary had lacked successful endorsements from GOP governors.

In South Carolina, Mitt Romney had Tea Party favorite Gov. Nikki Haley as a surrogate. However, her endorsement was not enough to knock out Newt Gingrich, who emerged victorious in the Palmetto State.

Neither Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad nor Florida Gov. Rick Scott made endorsements prior to their states' respective nominating contests.

In an appearance on FOX News on Tuesday evening, Brewer discussed her winning endorsement.

"The Romney team, myself included, we're ready for the long haul," she said. "In the end, I think he will be the victor."

She also praised Romney for his stance on immigration reform, a signature issue of Brewer's.

"The bottom line is that we are a nation of law. We believe in the rule of law," she said. "That is what Mitt wants to do. He wants the laws enforced. Get our borders secured."

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder joined Brewer on Tuesday, when Romney was also projected the winner of the Michigan primary.

Snyder, who endorsed Romney earlier this month, appeared with the former governor at his election night party in Novi, Mich. on Tuesday night.

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