Ayotte, Merrill and Benson Endorse Scott Brown

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and the last two Republican governors of New Hampshire officially endorsed Scott Brown for U.S. Senate on Tuesday.

"Scott understands, and he has stood against Obamacare, which is hurting New Hampshire right now," Ayotte said in prepared remarks. "It is hurting New Hampshire families, it is hurting New Hampshire businesses, and he will vote to repeal and replace Obamacare, making sure that we don’t have a government, Washington-centered solution to the problems and the prices and the costs we see in health care."

Brown, upon accepting the support, said in a press release,

"I am running for the United States Senate to preserve New Hampshire's great way of life. I will go to Congress and team up with Senator Ayotte to repeal of Obamacare, pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, and get the government off our backs so we can get the economy growing again and create more good-paying jobs."

The New Hampshire Democratic Party said of the endorsement:

"It's no surprise that Republicans are endorsing Republicans. But it is fitting that Brown was endorsed by a disgraced former Governor like the defeated Craig Benson, another Republican who voters threw out of office after just two years. Republican primary politics don't change the fact that Senator Jeanne Shaheen is the best choice with a record of making a difference for New Hampshire."

An earlier story follows:

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, will endorse Scott Brown in the 2014 Republican Senate primary during an event Tuesday afternoon in Nashua.

Ayotte, joined by former Governors Craig Benson and Steve Merrill, will officially back Brown at Norton's Classic Cafe in Nashua at 2:30 p.m. News of the big endorsement began to circulate Friday, when former GOP Chairman Fergus Cullen Tweeted about the three lining up behind Brown.

Former Gov. John H. Sununu introduced Brown when he launched his campaign in April.

In an email blast, Ayotte said Brown would fight for smaller government, lower taxes, and pro-growth policies.

Ayotte went on to write:

"Scott Brown has what it takes to win this election and represent New Hampshire values in Washington. He is the right guy for the job, and I would be proud to have him as my teammate in the United States Senate to keep fighting for New Hampshire families.

"After serving with Scott, I know first-hand that he is a proven leader who will listen to your concerns to find commonsense solutions to reduce our debt, repeal Obamacare, and make sure the next generation enjoys a bright future filled with opportunities for success.

"With 35 years serving in the Army National Guard and a strong record in the Senate, Scott wants what’s best for our state and country. But with rigid partisans in Washington voting in lockstep with President Obama and his agenda, the citizens of New Hampshire are paying the price."

Ayotte also endorsed Brown when he ran for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. As a candidate in New Hampshire, Brown is in a GOP field with Jim Rubens, Bob Smith and Karen Testerman.

The state primary is Sept. 9.