CHARLESTON, S.C. — Virginia Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell endorsed Mitt Romney’s campaign for president on Friday and told a rally of supporters that both character and values matter when selecting a nominee to run against President Obama.
McDonnell didn’t mention Romney’s rival, Newt Gingrich, by name in his remarks. But the Virginia governor’s comments come just hours after questions about Gingrich’s messy past with his ex-wife played a starring role in a televised debate here.
“Character counts and values matter in our people and in our leaders,” he said to applause.
“I am here to ask you to help elect a man of character and decency that loves the values of this nation.”
Voters in the Palmetto State head to the polls Saturday. While Romney was until recently leading in polls here, Gingrich surpassed the former Massachusetts governor in several polls released this week.
At Friday’s rally at the Charleston Area Convention Center, Romney also trotted out another high-profile supporter to energize supporters: South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
Both McDonnell and Haley are frequently mentioned as possible running mates for Romney.