Turner throws endorsement to Romney

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) - A veteran congressman from southwest Ohio has endorsed fellow Republican Mitt Romney for president.

Fifth-term Rep. Mike Turner on Tuesday called Romney the leader the party needs to restore economic growth and defeat President Barack Obama in November.

Ohio's primary is March 6.

In a statement from his campaign, Romney said he welcomes Turner as a supporter of fiscal responsibility and national security. Romney says Ohio will be important to the election.

Turner, meanwhile, will be running in a newly remapped 10th District from his Dayton area base. He avoided what loomed as a tough primary fight when Rep. Steve Austria decided to retire rather than oppose him for the seat created when Ohio drew districts reflecting population changes. The state is losing two of its 18 U.S. House seats.