ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s House speaker endorsed Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney days before the state’s political caucuses where the former Massachusetts governor is aiming to duplicate his 2008 win.

Republican Rep. Kurt Zellers said he thinks Romney, a businessman, is best-positioned to build the U.S. economy.

“Mitt Romney is the conservative candidate who has a clear plan to empower small businesses, rebuild the middle class and create long-lasting economic growth,” Zellers said.

House Majority Leader Matt Dean also lined up behind Romney as the campaign released a lengthy list of Republicans in his column. The endorsements signaled a desire by high-level Republicans to close ranks around Romney before next Tuesday’s caucuses.

Other top Minnesota Republicans in Romney’s corner include former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Rep. Erik Paulsen and former Sen. Norm Coleman.