U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz picked up the endorsement of President Bush on Tuesday as he seeks to fend off a primary challenge from former state Rep. Tim Walberg of Tipton.

"Congressman Joe Schwarz is common sense for Michigan," Bush said in a statement released by the Schwarz campaign.

"I appreciate his hard work, especially on education, national security and health care."

Schwarz, R-Battle Creek, recently returned from a visit to Iraq and met twice with Bush this month.

The endorsement gives his campaign a boost, spokesman John Truscott said.

"I think it's very important, especially at a time when you have somebody like Tim Walberg criticizing the congressman and lying about his record," Truscott said. "To see the president sticking up for him is pretty significant."

Walberg campaign manager Joe Wicks downplayed the endorsement.

"It's still a one-on-one race, and Walberg is a pro-life conservative and Congressman Schwarz is a liberal who supports abortion on demand," Wicks said.

"We'll let the voters decide."

The 7th U.S. House District includes Eaton, Branch, Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties, and parts of Calhoun and Washtenaw counties.