Sen. Jane Earll (R-Erie) today threw her support behind Mitt Romney, citing his business experience, and threw a subtle jab at Rick Santorum.

Elected in 1996, Earll will retire at the end of her term this year. Her Senate seat will be one of the top contested in the state.

“I’m very proud to stand with Mitt Romney,” Earll said in a statement. “He has laid out an economic plan that will encourage entrepreneurs and create jobs for middle class families. That’s the type of leadership we need in a president.”

Then she threw a punch: “We are kidding ourselves if we expect creatures of Washington to be the ones that turn it around.”

“I’m tremendously honored to earn Jane’s endorsement,” said Mitt Romney in the press release. “This continued wave of support shows that Pennsylvania voters are looking for leaders like Jane and myself that want to implement pro-growth policies like cutting spending and reforming entitlements. I look forward to working with her throughout the next few months as we seek to reverse the failed policies of President Obama.”