LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan's Republican attorney general is backing Jeb Bush for president. Bill Schuette announced the endorsement Wednesday, about seven months before Michigan's presidential primary. The state's top law enforcement official has had a long association and friendship with the Bush family, and says the former Florida governor has the experience, skillset, conservative record and disposition to serve as president in a "distinguished way."

Billionaire businessman Donald Trump has surged in polls. But Schuette says the race is a "marathon" and Bush will "grind it out" state to state.  Schuette worked on George H.W. Bush's campaign in Florida and Michigan in 1980, and served in Congress when he was president.

Jeb Bush will campaign on Mackinac Island next month at a gathering of state Republicans.

More From WKMI