Iowa’s Secretary of State Matt Schultz to Endorse Rick Santorum

DES MOINES, Iowa—Iowa’s Secretary of State Matt Schultz will be endorsing Rick Santorum Friday, ABC News has learned.

The campaign teased the endorsement as a “major announcement” and it is a big boost for the candidate who has spent the most time campaigning in the state.

During the last cycle, Schultz backed Mitt Romney, who shares his Mormon faith.

Their shared religion as well as the previous endorsement in 2007 will definitely be interpreted as a swipe to the former Massachusetts governor.

“Matt Schultz is a rising star within the Iowa Republican party,” Tim Albrecht, caucus veteran and communications director for Iowa governor Terry Branstad said. “His endorsement is another in a long line of impressive gets for the Santorum campaign. Rick Santorum’s organization here is real and that will be reflected on caucus night.”