WASHINGTON — Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, endorsed Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Thursday, joining two other members of Utah's congressional delegation in supporting Romney's bid for the White House.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, have already backed Romney, a fellow Mormon who ran the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, have not publicly supported anyone's campaign yet.

"We Utahns have seen firsthand that Governor Romney is an effective leader, and I am confident, as the campaign unfolds, that voters across the nation will see the same qualities and the vision he has displayed as a business leader, governor, and as head of the Salt Lake Olympics," Cannon said. "I look forward to working with the Romney team both here in Utah and across the country in the months ahead."

Cannon will serve as part of the Romney for President Congressional Whip Team, according to the campaign. The team is led by led by Rep. Jim McCrery, R-La.; Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich.; and Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon, R-Calif.

"I look forward to working with Congressman Cannon as we campaign across the country for building a stronger America with a stronger military, stronger economy and stronger families," Romney said in a statement.

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