Political observers say that, should it be forthcoming, a Sen. Pete Domenici (R) endorsement of Rep. Steve Pearce (R-02) or Rep. Heather Wilson (R-01) prior to the primary "would give a powerful boost" to its recipient. Analyst Brian Sanderoff: "If there ever were a time when an endorsement would be helpful, it's here."
If a Domenici endorsement is in the works, "no one's talking about it." Domenici spokesperson Chris Gallegos "declined to comment" on Domenici's views about the race. Wilson: "I have talked to Senator Domenici about this race. My conversations with him are private and will remain so. The decision to publicly endorse a candidate in this race is up to him."
Pearce spokesperson Brian Phillips said the camp "had contacted Domenici 'and he said at that time he wasn't going to make a decision.'" Sanderoff: "I'm sure Steve Pearce would be perfectly happy if Pete Dominici would just stay out of it. I doubt if he thinks he can get the endorsement, so the best he can do is encourage Domenici to stay out of it."
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