Romney said Simpson is 'the Republican we can trust to do what is right for our families.' Romney backs Simpson in Idaho race

GOP Rep. Mike Simpson, facing a tough Republican primary challenge next year, is getting the backing of an unexpected ally: Mitt Romney.

Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, endorsed the veteran Idaho congressman on Monday in a statement Monday.


“I’m proud to endorse Mike Simpson for Congress. Mike Simpson is the conservative Republican that we can trust to do what is right for our families and for our future,” Romney said. “Mike is a proven conservative who’s fought to repeal Obamacare and control government spending.”

Simpson, an eight-term congressman and Appropriations Committee cardinal, is trying to beat back a primary challenge from Bryan Smith, an attorney supported by the anti-tax Club for Growth. Smith is portraying Simpson as insufficiently conservative and as an old-school, soft-on-spending lawmaker who’s past his prime. Simpson has fought back, stressing his seniority and highlighting what he insists is a longstanding conservative record.

Romney’s backing could be helpful to Simpson, who resides in an eastern Idaho district where there’s a substantial Mormon population.

Simpson is also backed by House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), who recently traveled to Idaho to host a fundraiser for him.