Jeb Bush backs McCain

John McCain, as he tries to solidify support from the Republican establishment against Mike Huckabee's insurgent challenge, announced the support this afternoon of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, brother of the president.

"John McCain is a patriot and devoted conservative leader," Bush said in a statement issued by the McCain campaign. "Like no other candidate in the field, John McCain has made tremendous sacrifices for this nation. He is beholden to no interest other than that of the public good. He is determined and steadfast in his commitment to reducing the burden of high taxes, restoring the people's trust in their government, and winning the war against radical Islamic extremists. It is with pride that I announce my endorsement of John McCain for president."

Bush did not endorse before the Florida primary, which catapulted McCain into front-runner status, and had been thought to even possibly support Mitt Romney, who dropped out of the Republican race last month.