Sen. Thad Cochran endorses Jeb Bush for president

Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran endorsed Jeb Bush’s bid  for president on Tuesday, calling the former Florida governor a “proven leader.’’

Cochran, chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, is the fourth senator to endorse Bush’s campaign for the GOP nomination. The others are Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Orrin Hatch of Utah and Dean Heller of Nevada.

Cochran’s endorsement comes after recent trips by Bush to Mississippi. Bush attended a fundraiser in Jackson on Monday, and he visited the state last month for a tailgate party at the Egg Bowl between Mississippi State and the University of Mississippi.

“Jeb Bush is the proven leader the American people need as we face grave threats from abroad and continued economic challenges at home,’’ Cochran said in a statement released by the Bush campaign. “Jeb is a serious leader with executive experience and a forward-looking vision. He offers real solutions to lead our nation, to return more power to the states and to keep us secure.”

Cochran and the Bush family have a long history. Cochran worked with Bush’s father, George H.W. Bush, when he was president and when he served as chairman of the Republican National Committee in the 1970s. Cochran also worked closely with Bush’s brother, former president George W. Bush, when he sought federal aid and help after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The Republican primary in Mississippi is March 8.

Austin Barbour, nephew of former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour, serves as a senior adviser to the Bush campaign.

Cochran was re-elected to his seventh term last year after a bruising battle against state Sen. Chris McDaniel, a Tea Party favorite. McDaniel is supporting Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the GOP presidential race.