Updated

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is backing Mitt Romney's bid for the Republican presidential nomination, calling the former Massachusetts governor "the man for the job."

Snyder announced his support for the Michigan native in an op-ed column published Thursday by The Detroit News. Snyder says Romney "has what it takes to build a foundation for America's success in this global economy."

Romney is fighting rival Rick Santorum to win the Feb. 28 Republican primary in Michigan. Losing the contest would be a significant embarrassment for Romney, whose father, George, served as Michigan's governor before losing his presidential bid in 1968.

Snyder, who like Romney is a former venture capitalist, was elected in 2010 after campaigning as an outsider with business experience.

Romney and Santorum both have campaign events Thursday in Michigan.