Jeb Bush-Tommy Thompson Endorsement: Former Walker Supporter Lends Support Amid Sagging Polls

Another Scott Walker supporter has found a new home. Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson put his weight behind the brother of the president for whom he served, endorsing former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's candidacy for the White House Friday.

"Governor Bush is a proven reformer who has the executive experience to lead our country," Thompson said to Bloomberg. "I am confident Jeb has the leadership skills we need in the White House in order to bring real reform to Washington, create an environment for job growth and make sure America is a strong world leader. Jeb’s record of helping Floridians is emblematic of his passion and work ethic, and I know he will be able to do the same for all Americans.”

In the aftermath of Walker's dropping out of the presidential race in September, the candidates still standing have scrambled to pick up any supporters and staff who were left in the dark by Walker's abrupt departure. Bush is competing against the likes of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz for those donors and fundraisers. The candidates have also looked to mop up former supporters of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who was the first high profile candidate to drop out of the race.

Thompson held Walker's current job for nearly 15 years before he started working for former President George W. Bush's administration as secretary. He was governor of Wisconsin from 1987 to 2001, when he left for Washington. He was a candidate for president in 2008, however he withdrew before any nominating votes were cast in Iowa or New Hampshire.

Bush can use all the help he can get right now. Once seen as an almost inevitable Republican nominee, he has fallen far behind the number one spot. He is currently polling in fifth place, half a point behind Rubio, in national averages of polls. In Iowa, an early nominating state, he is in sixth place. In New Hampshire, he sits at fifth place.