Romney endorses Bono Mack on visit

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney — in the Coachella Valley on Saturday — announced his support for U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack in her bid to retain the 45th Congressional District seat.

The former Massachusetts governor made his announcement Saturday at Indian Wells’ Miramonte Hotel, 45-000 Indian Wells Lane.

Romney, along with Bono Mack, attended a fundraiser for the congresswoman at a private residence in Indian Wells following Saturday’s announcement.

“(Romney’s support) speaks to 12 years of achievements in this district,” said the Palm Springs Republican as her husband, Florida Rep. Connie Mack, stood by her side.

Mack supported Romney in his 2008 campaign for president.

And now, Romney is supporting Bono Mack because they are friends who have similar stances on policies, including health care and job creation, he said.

“I came as a friend but also as someone devoted to the same cause she’s fighting for,” Romney said. “People in Palm Springs recognize what happens in Washington, D.C., affects them here.”

The 45th District campaign election is still far away — Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet is the only Democrat to challenge Bono Mack so far — but the race has already drawn national attention.

Last year, Bono Mack was selected for the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Patriot Program, designed to provide financial help to targeted incumbents.

Pougnet’s campaign manager, Jordan Marks, said Saturday that Romney’s endorsement shouldn’t impact Pougnet’s campaign.

Other issues are of more significance, he said.

“What is important to voters in this district is Congresswoman Bono Mack has been absent while our region faces real challenges in unemployment and home foreclosures, and we need someone who will work hard on our behalf every single day,” Marks said in a statement. “Bono Mack simply hasn’t been around.”