Rick Santorum

Mitt Romney issued a statement today thanking Rick Santorum for endorsing him via an 1,107 word late night email yesterday.

"Senator Santorum ran a spirited race and his commitment to conservatism energized millions of Republicans around the country," Mr. Romney said. "Ann and I extend our sincere gratitude to Karen and Rick for his endorsement.”

Mr. Santorum proved to be a surprisingly strong opponent to Mr. Romney by focusing on social issues where Mr. Romney has taken a more moderate position. In his endorsement, Mr. Santorum said that, after meeting Mr. Romney last week, he is confident his erstwhile rival "clearly understands that having pro-family initiatives are not only the morally and economically right thing to do, but that the family is the basic building block of our society and must be preserved."

In his statement thanking Mr. Santorum for the endorsement, Mr. Romney said they both share a desire to "restore the promise of America" by undoing the policies of President Barack Obama.

"The race for the Republican presidential nomination has always been about restoring the promise of America," Mr. Romney said. "Senator Santorum and I share an absolute commitment to that goal, just as we share an absolute commitment to reversing the failing policies of the Obama Administration, from its assault on freedom of conscience to its feckless foreign policy."

Mr. Romney also made sure to offer his "continued prayers" for Mr. Santorum's 3-year-old daughter, Bella, who was hospitalized due to trisomy 18, an often fatal genetic condition she has suffered since birth, just as Mr. Santorum was ending his campaign.