Romney tries to rally uncommitted GOP lawmakers

[March 23, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney is raising money and trying to win over uncommitted GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Romney passed the hat at a breakfast fundraiser on Thursday. That's according to Oregon Republican congressman Greg Walden, who attended the event.

Later on Thursday, Romney met with uncommitted House Republicans from Texas, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. A Republican who requested anonymity to speak on the subject described Romney's activities.

Romney by far leads the Republican pack in endorsements from members of Congress. Having defeated rival Rick Santorum in Tuesday's Illinois primary, he's trying to consolidate support among congressional conservatives.

A day earlier, the Republican establishment began to coalesce around Romney with the endorsement of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

[Associated Press; By LAURIE KELLMAN]

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