Gregg backs Romney in New Hampshire

Mitt Romney will have a big name by his side today at a rally before he officially files for the New Hampshire primary.

US Senator Judd Gregg, who is in his third term representing the Granite State, is endorsing Romney, his campaign announced this morning.

"Mitt Romney embodies New Hampshire's values -- values that stress government living within its means, lower taxes, a stronger military, and stronger families," Gregg said in a statement issued by the Romney campaign. "Governor Romney is the strong leader we need to lead America forward."

Romney plans a rally on the steps of the State Library in Concord before going to the Secretary of State's office to file his papers. He is leading in the polls, though Rudy Giuliani and John McCain have been closing the gap lately.

-- by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor