The Hill News

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) scored an endorsement Tuesday from a congressman in a key primary state.

Nevada Rep. Joe Heck's (R) spokesman told The Associated Press the first-term lawmaker would back Romney, who isn't yet formally in the race but is expected to run.

The support is especially significant because of Nevada's status as an early primary state. A number of possible Republican presidential contenders have courted the state's elected Republicans for support; Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) is meeting today with Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Sandoval said Monday evening that he likes Romney and Barbour, as well as former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, but hasn't made any endorsements yet.

Heck's support is a boon for Romney in the early race for endorsements in the emerging Republican field for 2012.