Despite former U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon jumping in the race last week and the continuing efforts of former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, the Republican establishment keeps showing signs of coalescing behind U.S. Rep. Connie Mack’s bid to challenge Democrat U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. Last week, Mitt Romney and U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross announced they were backing Mack -- and are now joined by Gov. Luis Fortuño of Puerto Rico.

Fortuño served in the U.S. House with Mack, something he referred to in his endorsement of the Florida congressman.
 
"Connie and I entered the Congress on the same day and I admired how he fought for freedom -- every American's constitutional freedom,” Fortuño said. “Connie always used to tell me, 'Freedom is the core of all human progress,' and from his fights against tyrants like Hugo Chavez to the advent of his ‘Penny Plan,’ Connie Mack has always been an incredible champion of freedom and prosperity. All conservatives know, and all Americans know, that we must stop Washington's endless appetite for the people's money and its constant desire to do more and control more. Electing Connie Mack to the U.S. Senate and defeating liberal Senator Bill Nelson will help make sure conservatives have another champion for freedom in the Senate, and that Harry Reid, President Obama, and Washington's other ‘Lockstep Liberals’ can't inflict any more damage on the nation.”

Mack for his part praised the Puerto Rican governor.
 
"Governor Fortuño has demonstrated that conservative principles solve problems and create prosperity and I am honored to have his support today,” Mack said. “Governor Fortuño has tackled a record $3.2 billion deficit in Puerto Rico, cutting expenses across the board, instituted salary reductions of 30 percent for himself, department heads and political appointments, while cutting taxes. Having his endorsement of my candidacy means so much coming from such a principled leader and I thank him for his friendship and support."