ABC's Emily Friedman ( @EmilyABC) reports:

Berlin, N.H. - Mitt Romney said today's endorsement from former president George H.W. Bush was a welcome, if unexpected, boost to his campaign.

"I had no idea that was coming," he said, when asked by ABC News if he was surprised by the endorsement.

Romney received a call from Bush between campaign stops in New Hampshire early this afternoon.

"I thanked him for his support, his leadership, his heroic life, and his friendship," said Romney of his phone conversation with the former president. "This is much more important to me personally than even politically."

Romney said the former president is a "real hero" to him and his family. He said the former president and first lady gave him some advice, though he wouldn't go into details.

Mitt Romney has already received big  endorsements from the likes of Bob Dole, Governor Nikki Haley and the Des Moines Register.