Jeb Bush Backs Mitt Romney for President: 'Now Is the Time for Republicans to Unite

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush on Wednesday endorsed Mitt Romney's bid for president, following Romney's primary win in Illinois the night before.

In a statement, Bush said "now is the time for Republicans to unite" behind the former Massachusetts governor.

“Congratulations to Governor Mitt Romney on his win last night and to all the candidates for a hard fought, thoughtful debate and primary season,” Bush said, according to ABC News. “Primary elections have been held in thirty-four states, and now is the time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney and take our message of fiscal conservatism and job creation to all voters this fall. I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our Party’s nomination. We face huge challenges, and we need a leader who understands the economy, recognizes more government regulation is not the answer, believes in entrepreneurial capitalism and works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed.”

Bush, whose name often surfaces during talk of a brokered GOP convention, said last month he has found the rhetoric on the GOP campaign trail "a little troubling."

“I used to be a conservative and I watch these debates and I’m wondering, I don‘t think I’ve changed, but it‘s a little troubling sometimes when people are appealing to people’s fears and emotion rather than trying to get them to look over the horizon for a broader perspective and that’s kind of where we are,” Bush said.

Bush's endorsement comes after his father, former President George H.W. Bush, backed Romney in December.

Former President George W. Bush has not endorsed anyone in the GOP race.