Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee endorsed Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst this morning in the state’s GOP primary to replace retiring Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

“Not only is he a fiscal conservative, but he shares our social values as well and will continue to fight for our shared values in Washington,” Huckabee said, according to a Dewhurst campaign press release.

Broadly speaking, Dewhurst has steadily collected endorsements from state organizations. Former state Solicitor General Ted Cruz is the candidate who has benefited from the backing of nationally prominent conservatives such as Republican Sens. Jim DeMint (S.C.), Mike Lee (Utah) and Rand Paul (Ky.).  

Dewhurst was also on the receiving end of praise from Texas Gov. Rick Perry last week.

Former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert’s (R) prominent supporters include notable residents of the Dallas area, such as former Dallas Cowboys.

Interestingly, this is the second Huckabee Senate endorsement in recent weeks for a candidate who has been on the receiving end of attacks from the Club for Growth. Huckabee is also backing former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson in his run for Senate in Wisconsin.

 The club has targeted both Thompson and Dewhurst in negative television advertising.