CNN

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has endorsed Mitt Romney.

DES MOINES, Iowa (CNN) – Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney will be endorsed by Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, CNN has learned.

"In his campaign for the presidency, Mitt Romney has outlined the clearest vision to move our country forward,” Heineman says in a statement provided to CNN by the Romney campaign.

Nebraska borders the first caucus state of Iowa, and several western Iowa cities and towns critical for Republicans fall into the Omaha, Nebraska media market.

"Governor Heineman understands that our party is strong when we stand for a strong defense, strong economy and strong families,” Romney says in the statement given to CNN.

“Through conservative principles, Governor Heineman is making Nebraska a better place to live, work and raise a family. I look forward to working with him as we advance our strategy for a stronger America."

Heineman was elected governor just two years ago. Romney’s campaign is highlighting the fact that he has already passed “the largest tax relief package in the history of the state.”

Romney was once the clear frontrunner in Iowa, but several statewide polls show that he is now trailing rival Mike Huckabee.

– CNN Correspondent Dana Bash