Romney endorses Bilbray in 52nd District

Tuesday was mutual endorsement day for GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Solana Beach Republican Rep. Brian Bilbray.

Romney, the former Massachusetts governor who has a home in La Jolla, announced he is endorsing Bilbray in the hotly contested 52nd Congressional District 2012 election.

In turn, Bilbray announced he is endorsing Romney in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Romney also endorsed the re-election bids of California Reps. Ken Calvert and Jerry Lewis.

“I am proud to earn the support of three great leaders in California,” Romney was quoted as saying in a campaign statement.

Bilbray said Romney’s “leadership and experience are what this country needs right now.”

He also said he believes Romney is the “best candidate to secure the border and put a halt to illegal immigration.”

Bilbray faces several opponents in the newly drawn 52nd District, including Port of San Diego Commission Chairman Scott Peters and former state Assemblywoman Lori Saldana.

The race is seen viewed by analysts as one of the most competitive congressional elections in California.

Call staff writer Mark Walker at 760-901-4080.