By Caroline Johnston, Contributing Writer

As former Republican U.S. Senator Rick Santorum prepares to formally announce his candidacy for presidency in Somerset, PA on June 6, he announced this week that he has received several endorsements for his presidential bid from several Republican officials in New Hampshire, the first primary state.

“I am pleased to welcome these conservative activists to our team.  I am confident that their support will be invaluable as we build the grassroots network necessary to get out our message of believing in the American people again,” said Santorum, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1995-2007.

These endorsements come from New Hampshire officials and activists; including one from the chairperson of the Republican City Committee and Hillsborough County Attorney, Dennis Hogan.

Four New Hampshire State Representatives also follow in support of Santorum.  These include State Representative Randall Whitehead, State Representative Don LeBrun, State Representative Bill Ohm and State Representative Kevin Brown, all of which are from Nashua.  State Representative Randall Whitehead’s endorsement of Santorum is key since this is the first presidential endorsement Representative Whitehead has taken part of since the Reagan campaign.

Joining in on endorsing the former Senator for the GOP primary are Councilman Bill Boyd of Merrimack and Stevin Lewis of Atkinson.  Lewis has become one of the most prominent political forces and activists, finding much success in political fundraisers and development.  Boyd serves an activist for the people of Merrimack and chairs the Economic Development Citizens Advisory Committee for the town.

Santorum is isn’t just looking at New Hampshire, either. This week he took his first presidential trip to Florida. He stressed the state’s importance during his keynote speech at the St. Johns County GOP Lincoln-Reagan Dinner on Tuesday night. Santorum spoke frequently with Republican Party groups, as well as radio stations, during his two day visit to the Sunshine State.