MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Former Massachusetts Governor and Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney has endorsed Lt. Governor Kay Ivey in the June 3rd Republican primary.

“Kay Ivey has been my friend since 2006, but she has always been a friend to Alabama,” Romney wrote in an email to his Alabama supporters. “Alabamians have long relied on her for conservative leadership and her support of strong family values and effective, limited government. In fact, on Kay’s watch, we’ve reduced government spending by $1 billion dollars and have seen industry flocking to Alabama. But as any leader knows, when you make the tough decisions like Kay Ivey has made, you up-set the liberal special interest groups. When Ann and I needed help in Alabama, we’ve alway turned to Kay. She has my full support and I hope she can count on you; don’t forget to re-elect Kay Ivey on June 3rd!”

In responding to the email, Ivey commented, “I appreciate so much Mitt Romney’s endorsement. I was pleased to stand shoulder to shoulder with Mitt and Ann during the 2012 Presidential campaign and I can’t help but reflect on how much better off the country would have been electing him as President. I thank Governor Romney for his kind words of support.”

Ivey’s campaign referred to Romney’s backing as their “eighth major endorsement.” Lt. Governor Ivey has also received the endorsements of the Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama Farmers Federation, Business Council of Alabama, Alabama Retail Association, Alabama State Troopers Association, Alabama Patriots and National Rifle Association.

Ivey is squaring off against Republican Stan Cooke in the June 3rd primary.

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