Orlando - On the heels of last week's visit to South Florida, Jon Huntsman for President today announced the endorsement of State Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff, and Coral Gables Mayor and former U.S. Ambassador Jim Cason.

"Floridians need jobs, and Gov. Huntsman is the candidate with the leadership and experience to deliver," said Sen. Bogdanoff. "Due to the pro-growth policies he implemented as governor - including historic tax cuts - Utah led the nation in job creation and was named the best-managed state in America. This is precisely what our nation needs today to get us out of these tough economic times."

"I am excited to support a fellow ambassador like Jon for President," said Mayor Cason. "He is the only candidate who offers the combination of the executive experience that comes from managing a state with extensive foreign policy experience. He is qualified to represent America's strength and ideals on the national and the global stage, which is especially critical in these tumultuous times."

"Ellyn and Jim are tremendous public servants and community leaders, and I am humbled to gain their support," said Gov. Huntsman. "I look forward to working with them as we continue to spread our message in Florida and across the nation."

Ellyn Bogdanoff has served in the Florida State Legislature since 2004, where she has consistently fought for lower taxes and a more job-friendly environment. The Florida Chamber of Commerce recently gave Sen. Bogdanoff their Most Valuable Legislator annual award for 2011, in recognition of her efforts to promote economic growth. Sen. Bogdanoff is one of the few Republicans representing Broward and Palm Beach Counties. She is the only elected Jewish Republican in the Florida Legislature, and is also a small-business owner and practicing attorney.

Jim Cason has over 40 years of experience in national and international public service.He served as U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay and political advisor to the Commander of NATO's Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic. He also served in U.S. Embassies in Portugal, Italy, El Salvador, Panama, Uruguay, Bolivia and Venezuela. As Chief of Mission of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Jim publicly confronted the Castro regime and highlighted the human rights abuses in Cuba, while giving unprecedented support to Cuban dissidents and members of civil society. In April 2011, Jim was elected Mayor of Coral Gables, one of the largest municipalities of Miami-Dade County and an international city home to over 175 multinational corporations.