Nancy Reagan endorses Mitt Romney

— -- Nancy Reagan announced Thursday she's backing Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.

The endorsement came after Romney and his wife, Ann, met with the former first lady at her home outside Los Angeles over "lemonade and cookies," according to a statement. Reagan called him the "clear choice" in the 2012 race.

"I offered my firm endorsement of his campaign for president," Reagan said in a statement issued by her office. "Ronnie would have liked Gov. Romney's business background and his strong principles, and I have to say I do too. I believe Mitt Romney has the experience and leadership skills that our country so desperately needs, and I look forward to seeing him elected president in November."