Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who for president in 2008 and is considered a likely contender in 2012, is spreading some love around in New York today, announcing endorsements in 10 House races.

Through his Free and Strong America PAC, Romney is backing the state’s two lone Republican congressmen – Pete King (NY-3) and Chris Lee (NY-26) – and eight challengers; Randy Altschuler (NY-1), John Gomez (NY-2), Michael Grimm (NY-13), Nan Hayworth (NY-19), Chris Gibson (NY-20), Richard Hanna (NY-24), Ann Marie Burekle (NY-25), and Tom Reed (NY-29).

The PAC has already sent each of Romney’s preffered candidates a $2,500 contribution for a combined total investment of $25,000 in Empire State Republicans.

“At a time when we need leaders who will enact pro-growth policies that will turn our troubled economy around and put people back to work, too many Washington politicians are instead focused on growing the size of government,” Romney said in a press release.

“New York – and our nation – deserves leaders who will put the interests of the people ahead of the special interests, and work to get our economy back on track. That is why I am proud to stand with these candidates today.”

Romney is in Central NY today to give an in-person endorsement to Buerkle at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Republican National Committee HQ in the Syracuse area. He will then headline a dinner organized by the Upstate Multi-County Committee of the state Conservative Party.

Rick Lazio is also scheduled to be on hand – his first appearance since being trounced by Carl Paladino last Tuesday – and is expected to announce he will remain in the race on the Conservative line (barring some major personal sea change).

Romney isn’t the only former presidential contender weighing in on upstate congressional races this week. Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has been endorsing candidates throughout the cycle, is campaigning with Hanna in Utica Wednesday.

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