The Rudy-Romney war for the social conservative vote continues apace today with a big score for Romney: He's just secured the endorsement of legendary pro-family activist Paul Weyrich.

"By getting a social conservative guy like Weyrich on board, it gives the Romney campaign a big leap forward to be able to say that Romney is serious about moving a pro-family, traditional value agenda as President," says CBN's David Brody, who broke the story today.

Put another way, big names like these are critical to Romney's efforts to obscure his past heresy on social issues, as well as his efforts to get social conservatives to not overlook Rudy's positions. Romney's release after the jump.

Today, Paul Weyrich, Chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Research and Education Foundation, announced his support for Governor Mitt Romney and his campaign to be our country's next President. Paul Weyrich is one of the premier leaders in the conservative movement, having founded the Heritage Foundation and the American Legislative Exchange Council.

"As he travels across the country, Governor Romney has outlined a blueprint to build a stronger America rooted in our common conservative principles. With a clear conservative vision to move America forward, he will strengthen our economy, our military and our families. More importantly, he already has an exceptional record of putting conservative values to work. Because of his experience, vision and values, I am proud to support Governor Romney," said Paul Weyrich.

With today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "Paul Weyrich has put his stamp on the conservative movement in this country. It is an honor to have his support and counsel. Through our efforts, we can work to ensure that Washington always stands on the side of building stronger American families."