The Hill News

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) is backing Mitt Romney for the GOP presidential nomination, according to the Romney campaign.

Alexander voted for Romney in early primary voting in Blount County, Tenn.

"For me, Gov. Romney is the right choice. He’s led a state, he’s led a business, he’s led the Olympics. All our candidates are good Republicans; I don’t think they really disagree very much," Alexander said, according to the Romney campaign. "They emphasize their differences, but the important difference is, Gov. Romney has the executive experience this country needs, he’s a good Republican, he can attract independents, and I believe he can defeat President Obama and lead our country in a better direction."

Alexander previously served as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference until he formally stepped down in January. Besides Alexander, seven other sitting senators have backed Romney: Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), ! Scott Brown (R-Mass.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.).