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Michigan Governor Rick Snyder Backs Mitt Romney's Presidential Bid

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is backing Mitt Romney's bid for the Republican presidential nomination, calling the former Massachusetts governor "the man for the job."

Snyder announced his support for the Michigan native in an op-ed column published Thursday by The Detroit News. Snyder says Romney "has what it takes to build a foundation for America's success in this global economy." Read the entire column, here.

The GOP candidate needs all the help he can get as his poll numbers have been declining. But as WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick reports, Snyder's endorsement, unfortunately, may not turn the tide for Romney.

"Here's the problem, Mr. Snyder does not bring to the table the very voters in Michigan that Mr. Romney needs, mainly tea party folks who are overwhelmingly going to Mr. Santorum. So, while it's nice to have the endorsement, I don't think this one is a game changer," said Skubick.

Romney is fighting rival Rick Santorum to win the Feb. 28 Republican primary in Michigan. Losing the contest would be a significant embarrassment for Romney, whose father, George, served as Michigan's governor before losing his presidential bid in 1968.

Snyder, who like Romney is a former venture capitalist, was elected in 2010 after campaigning as an outsider with business experience.

Romney and Santorum both have campaign events Thursday in Michigan.

TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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