Russell Pearce Backs Mitt Romney: Arizona Immigration Law Author Supports GOP Frontrunner

With more than 100 endorsements already in his political pocket, GOP primary frontrunner Mitt Romney has another notable face behind him.

After dining at a Tea Party event on Tuesday, former Arizona state Senate President Russell Pearce proclaimed his support for Romney, citing similar views on immigration as his key reason.

"His immigration policy is identical to mine," Pearce said, according to The Washington Post. "Attrition by enforcement. It's identical to mine -- enforce the laws."

After serving 10 years as a state legislator, Pearce was voted out of office last November in a special recall election. His lead role in crafting S.B. 1070 (Arizona's controversial immigration law), along with his ties to a college football bowl game scandal, were contributing factors behind that loss.

Despite that setback, Pearce announced in late March that he would again vie for a state Senate seat.

"I know my duty," Pearce told the Arizona Republic. "It's been a nice vacation, but it's time to go back to work. We have a sacred duty to this land."