Rep. Morgan Griffith

Umm, has there been any doubt that Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, is backing the Republican ticket this year?

We didn’t think so.

But, lo, today The Hill newspaper lists Griffith as one of several Republican lawmakers who aren’t endorsing Romney.

Griffith quickly put out this statement to correct the error:

“Apparently, some Washington reporters have a hard time understanding Southwest Virginia speak. Imagine my surprise after introducing Mitt Romney at a rally in Salem, introducing Paul Ryan at a rally in Roanoke County and attending a Paul Ryan fundraiser in Roanoke City, The Hill newspaper thought that I had not endorsed Romney for President.

“So for everyone in Washington, and for anyone else who may be confused, let me state emphatically I support, endorse and whole-heartedly hope that Mitt Romney is elected President of the United States.

“Four more years of economic disasters from the Obama administration cannot be tolerated. Jobs in the coal fields, in the rail yards, in the factories and in every other business are in jeopardy.

“And just in case there is any other confusion, I served in the House of Delegates when George Allen was Governor. I was Majority Leader when Tim Kaine was Governor. George Allen got things done working with Democrats. Tim Kaine found it difficult to work with Democrats and impossible to work with Republicans.

“So in case there is any misunderstanding, I support, endorse and whole-heartedly hope that we elect George Allen to the United States Senate.

“I hope this clarifies what I thought was obvious. But apparently with Washington…”