Former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole has endorsed Mitt Romney in the race for the GOP presidential nomination.

Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, said in a statement that he was humbled by her support.

Dole served one term in the U.S. Senate representing North Carolina. Her husband, former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, endorsed Romney about two weeks ago.

In a letter released by Romney's campaign, Elizabeth Dole wrote:

"America is facing some of the greatest challenges in our nation's history, in particular with regard to our economic future. It is vitally important that we nominate an individual with both a steady hand for these difficult times and the experience and capabilities to get our country back on track.

"In a phone call Monday afternoon, I advised Governor Romney that I'm supporting him and will do whatever I can to be of assistance between now and the November election. I've been in all of Iowa's 99 counties twice and have met hundreds and hundreds of dedicated voters. Endorsements may not matter, but hopefully my friends in Iowa will also offer their support to the Governor, a man of experience, leadership and unassailable character."

Ellmers on list of least wealthy Congress members

The Washington Post and The New York Times published articles this month about the wealth of Congress members. Their point: the median net worth of people serving in Congress is increasing while the median net worth of American families as a whole is declining.

The Post has slideshows of Congress members who are the wealthiest and poorest. The Post article focused on House members, but the slideshows include members of both chambers.

No one in the North Carolina delegation is on the list of 25 richest.

U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers made it onto the list of 25 with the least net worth. The Dunn Republican is No. 18, with an average net worth of - $91,497 in 2010, according to an analysis of financial disclosures by the Center for Responsive Politics.

Coble undecided about running for re-election

U.S. Rep. Howard Coble says he's still hasn't decided whether or not to seek re-election.

The 80-year-old Republican held a news conference Wednesday, the day after he was discharged from Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro. Coble, one of the oldest members now serving in Congress, was hospitalized before Christmas with a respiratory infection.

The timing of the press conference had some speculating that Coble would announce his retirement. Instead, he said he was still considering his decision and used the time to talk about his hospital stay.

Bonner: 919-829-4821 or lbonner@newsobserver.com