Bush 41 formally endorses Romney

Bush 41 formally endorses Romney

Updated 7:07 p.m. ET

George H.W. Bush essentially hinted he was for Mitt Romney months ago, but today the 41st president gave him his formal endorsement.

Bush said Romney would make a "great president" during a brief meeting in his Houston office.

He added it's time for Republicans to unite, making a reference to a line from a Kenny Rogers hit, The Gambler: "You've got to know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em."

"I do think it's time for the party to get behind Gov. Romney," Bush said.

In an interview with the Houston Chronicle in December, Bush said Romney was the "best choice" in the GOP field. He joins his son, former Florida governor Jeb Bush, on the long list of GOP establishment types who are backing Romney.

Romney said having Bush's support "means a great deal to me on a personal basis, a family basis and on a national basis." He said the country is on a "dangerous path" under President Obama.

In a statement released by his campaign, Romney called Bush his "mentor" and praised his service to the country. Bush was friendly with Romney's father, George, and they served together in the Nixon administration.