Giuliani, McCain nab key endorsements

(Associated Press)

Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani (left) accepts the endorsement of Christian conservative leader Pat Robertson at a Washington news conference.

Rudy Giuliani and John McCain are each heralding key endorsements this morning.

Giuliani has the support of TV evangelist Pat Robertson, a high-profile Christian leader. That backing should help him with social conservatives, who have been wary of the former New York mayor because of his support of abortion rights and his positions on other social issues.

"In less than two months, American voters will begin choosing the nominees of their respective political parties for the office of the presidency of the United States," Robertson said at a news conference in Washington. "To me, the overriding issue before the American people is the defense of our population from the bloodlust of Islamic terrorists. Our second goal should be the control of massive government waste and crushing federal deficits. Uppermost in the minds of social conservatives is a selection of future Supreme Court justices and lower court judges who will sit in both the federal circuit courts and the district courts. Our world faces deadly peril: nuclear armed North Korea and the foreboding of nuclear arms in Iran, deadly violence from Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel, the possible overthrow of Pakistan’s government, and drawn-out wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"In all of the crises which confront our nation and the world, we need a leader with a bold vision who is not afraid to tackle the challenges ahead. For months I have contemplated our future and the outstanding group of men who are offering themselves to the Republican Party to be its standard bearer in the 2008 presidential election. Today, it is my pleasure to announce my support for a mayor, America's mayor, Rudy Giuliani, and a proven leader, who is not afraid of what lies ahead and who will cast a hopeful vision for all Americans."

"I am very encouraged by Pat's support," Giuliani said in the statement. "His confidence in me means a lot. His experience and advice will be a great asset to me and my campaign."

McCain, meanwhile, is holding a series of events in Iowa today to announce the support of Kansas Senator Sam Brownback, another social conservative who dropped out of the presidential race last month. Brownback's support could also help McCain among social conservatives who carry much influence in the GOP nominating process.

Mitt Romney, who has also been courting social conservatives, downplayed the Robertson endorsement, touting his own endorsement from Bob Jones University chancellor Bob Jones III instead

"I can't get all the social conservatives to endorse my candidacy," Romney told reporters at a campaign appearance in South Carolina, according to the Associated Press. "I'm really pleased with the support I've got. The people who have the ultimate say are the voters."

Romney also said he was not surprised that Brownback is supporting McCain, saying they "have worked together in the Senate for a long time and that's probably to be expected," the AP reported.