Conservative Leader Backs Romney

Sarah B. Boxer

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly included Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Another conservative leader, American Conservative Union head Al Cardenas, endorsed Republican Mitt Romney for president on Monday.

Following last week's endorsement from former Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush, Cardenas described Romney as an "honorable, worthy, competent, conservative candidate for our next commander-in-chief."

In an op-ed in the Daily Caller, Cardenas said he also hoped the primary process will be over as soon as possible. "Every week the primary continues," he wrote, "Republican chances for victory in November diminish because our sights are not set on our chief goal - defeating President Obama."

Cardenas likened the drawn-out primary to children in a car asking "Are we there yet?," and said none of the other candidates have enough delegates to realistically win the race.

Romney's campaign also announced on Monday the support of Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.