Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush has endorsed Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney on Wednesday, after Romney routed main rival Rick Santorum in the Illinois primary Tuesday.

According to an ABC report, Bush, a Republican heavyweight, called on members of the party to coalesce behind Romney, saying in a statement that "primary elections have been held in thirty- four states, and now is the time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney and take our message of fiscal conservatism and job creation to all voters this fall."

"I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our Party's nomination," wrote Bush. "We face huge challenges, and we need a leader who understands the economy, recognizes more government regulation is not the answer, believes in entrepreneurial capitalism and works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed."

Bush, the brother of former President George W. Bush, is a much- respected voice in the party and was considered by some to be a leading contender for the nomination if he had joined the race. But he rejected calls for his candidacy. Romney also won the primary in Bush's home state of Florida.

His father, former President George H.W. Bush, has also endorsed Romney.