Mitt Romney has won a coveted endorsement from the governor of South Carolina.

Gov. Nikki Haley, a Tea Party favorite, also endorsed him in 2008, but Romney bowed out of the race right before the primary.

"Neither South Carolina nor the nation can afford four more years of President Obama, and Mitt Romney is the right person to take him on and get America back on track," Haley said in a statement after announcing her endorsement on Fox News Channel.

She added that Romney, "Knows what it's like to make a decision and lead."

South Carolina is considered a tough state for the former Massachusetts governor, because of voter concerns about his Mormon faith and reversals on social issues.

Haley's endorsement and political networks could prove to be a big boost for Romney this time.

The South Carolina primary is scheduled for Jan. 21. It is the first state in the South to hold a primary.

Newt Gingrich's campaign has already been aggressively campaigning in the Palmetto State.