Bolton Endorses Romney, Citing Strong Defense Posture January 12, 2012, 10:58 am WASHINGTON - John R. Bolton, a neoconservative who served as President Bush's ambassador to the United Nations, endorsed Mitt Romney for president on Thursday. Mr. Bolton had toyed with the idea of running for president himself last year but never took any serious steps to do so. In a statement released by Mr. Romney's campaign, Mr. Bolton praised Mr. Romney's foreign policy views. "Mitt Romney possesses the strongest vision for America's leadership role in the world," Mr. Bolton said. Mitt Romney will restore our military, repair relations with our closest allies, and ensure that no adversary - including Iran - ever questions American resolve. Mr. Bolton's hawkish views and bombastic style often made him a lightning rod for controversy on foreign policy during the Bush administration. After being given the job in a recess appointment, he was forced to step down from his post at the United Nations after the Senate refused to permanently confirm him. Mr. Romney said in the statement that Mr. Bolton "has been a staunch defender of U.S. interests and values, both while he was in and out of government. John's wisdom, clarity, and courage are qualities that should typify our foreign policy. Mr. Bolton's decision to endorse Mr. Romney is a public slap at Newt Gingrich, who had courted conservative support last month by publicly announcing that he would choose Mr. Bolton to be his secretary of state.