S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley endorses Mitt Romney

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is endorsing Mitt Romney for president.

Haley said Friday on Fox News she is throwing all of her support behind Romney in the Republican primaries. She says jobs, the economy and spending are most important and the former Massachusetts governor is the best candidate to address those issues.

Haley also said President Barack Obama seems most afraid to face Romney.

Haley, a Tea Party favorite, is a rising star within the GOP and her endorsement in the first-in-the South primary state has been sought by many other presidential contenders.

Iowa Debate: Republican Winners and Losers
Newt Gingrich hammered for Freddie Mac ties
Romney praises Medicare overhaul proposal

Her endorsement could prove pivotal for Romney in South Carolina as he looks to burnish his conservative credentials and push back against criticism that he hasn't demonstrated a consistent commitment to conservative ideals through his political career.

"I think this Nikki Haley [endorsement] ... is big. It's the Tea Party that doesn't like Mitt Romney and I think that is where his problem is. The problems with Mitt Romney [are] why we have these anybody-but-Romney candidates come up," Bob Schieffer, moderator of "Face the Nation," said on "The Early Show."

Romney will appear with Haley Friday afternoon in South Carolina. Haley says they will campaign together Saturday.