JUNEAU, Alaska—
Mitt Romney has picked up the endorsement of another Alaska political leader as he seeks the GOP presidential nomination.
Romney announced the support of Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Friday.
Murkowski, in a statement, said the former Massachusetts governor has demonstrated the leadership needed in the White House to get the country on the right track. She said he has a plan for moving the nation toward energy independence and understands the role Alaska can play in achieving that.
Murkowski joins Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell in backing Romney.
Romney also is the first candidate to qualify for the state GOP's March 6 presidential preference poll.
Candidates have until 30 days before the poll to qualify, and party chairman Randy Ruedrich says a number of other campaigns are working on their petitions.
