Bruce Keough, a former Republican state senator in New Hampshire, has endorsed Tim Pawlenty for president.

“The tangled mess in Washington and the current shutdown in Minnesota demonstrate why America needs Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s leadership,” Keough says in a press release. “We’ve had enough of the President’s inability to set priorities and make difficult choices. This only results in more out-of-control spending, more endless debt, and more ill-conceived health care mandates. I’m supporting Gov. Pawlenty because America needs a president who is going tell us the truth, not only about the challenges facing us but the solutions that are needed.”

Keough would be just another local politician, except for one thing, which Pawlenty’s people highlight at the bottom of the press release:

Keough, a private investor, served as State Senator from 1995 to 1997 and served on the University System board from 1997 to 2001. Keough also was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor in 2002. Bruce has served in volunteer leadership roles for a number of New Hampshire charities, initiatives and campaigns – most recently as co-chairman of the New Hampshire Romney for President effort in 2007-08. [Emphasis added.]