Boehner endorses Romney in GOP primary

— -- House Speaker John Boehner officially came off the sidelines Tuesday and backed Mitt Romney's bid for president, offering yet another sign the Republican primary is all but officially over.

Speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference, Boehner, who had previously said he wouldn't endorse a candidate, said he was "proud" to back the former Massachusetts governor.

"I've not taken a position on this presidential campaign because, as chairman of the convention, I wanted to make sure all candidates had a fair process and a fair opportunity," Boehner said. "But it's clear now Mitt Romney is going to be our nominee."

The GOP leader said he would "do everything" to help Romney win the general election against President Barack Obama.

Boehner joins several other high-profile House Republicans, including his deputy, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, who have backed Romney in recent weeks.

The speaker's endorsement is yet more bad news for Newt Gingrich, who has pledged to stay in the race until Romney wins the 1,144 delegates necessary to officially clinch the GOP nomination.

More popular Yahoo! News stories:

• At congressional GSA hearing, Jeff Neely targeted for scandal

• Gallup poll: Romney, Obama statistically tied in 2012 matchup

• Gingrich walks out of interview with UNC Daily Tar Heel, reporter says; Newt's campaign responds: 'Facts not fiction, kid'

Want more of our best political stories? Visit The Ticket or connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or add us on Tumblr. Handy with a camera? Join our Election 2012 Flickr group to submit your photos of the campaign in action.