Santorum Endorses Ex-Rival Romney For GOP Nomination

(Reuters) - Former Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum endorsed his one-time fierce rival Mitt Romney on Monday, a move that may help the party's presumptive White House nominee win over religious conservatives.

Santorum said in an unusual late-night statement that the two have differences, but that he came away from a meeting with the ex-Massachusetts governor impressed with Romney's deep understanding of economic and family issues central to the campaign.

Above all else, we both agree that President (Barack) Obama must be defeated. The task will not be easy. It will require all hands on deck if our nominee is to be victorious, Santorum said.

Governor Romney will be that nominee and he has my endorsement and support to win this the most critical election of our lifetime, he said in the statement, which was emailed to supporters.

The socially conservative former Pennsylvania senator, who won 11 state contests and was the favorite of Republican voters in a Reuters/Ipsos poll for the No. 2 spot on the ticket, is best known for his strong opposition to abortion and gay rights.

He clashed sharply with Romney in several televised debates, but his support may now help Romney win over religious conservatives before the November 6 election.

Santorum had been reluctant to give an endorsement, but he said that changed after a clear-the-air meeting with Romney in Pittsburgh on Friday. The question of endorsement did not come up, but Santorum said the conversation was candid and focused on issues.

During our meeting I felt a deep responsibility to assess Governor Romney's commitment to addressing the issues most important to conservatives, as well his commitment to ensuring our appropriate representation in a Romney administration, he said.

The family and its foundational role in America's economic success, a central point of our campaign, was discussed at length. I was impressed with the governor's deep understanding of this connection and his commitment to economic policies that preserve and strengthen families.

Santorum said he agreed with Romney on the need for lower taxes, smaller government, and a reduction in out-of-control spending. We certainly agree that abortion is wrong and marriage should be between one man and one woman.

(Reporting By John Crawley; Editing by Jackie Frank and Christopher Wilson)