Domenici apparently endorses Wilson in Senate race

Only days before the conclusion of a bloody GOP primary battle, retiring U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici has apparently endorsed Heather Wilson in the race to replace him.

The impact of the endorsement, announced at the last minute and without any fanfare, isn’t immediately clear.

Domenici told KRQE-TV in Albuquerque today that he hoped Wilson would win tonight’s debate against primary opponent Steve Pearce. Domenici Chief of Staff Steve Bell later told the Associated Press the comment should be interpreted as an endorsement.

“I think it was. I think he’s endorsing her,” the news service quoted Bell as saying.

Wilson announced the endorsement during tonight’s debate with Pearce.

“His office has confirmed that those comments should be considered an endorsement of my candidacy,” Wilson said. “I will say this directly to him: I am deeply honored to have received your endorsement for my candidacy for Senate. I will never let you down.”

The news comes after a report on a blog this morning that Domenici said during a private luncheon on Thursday that he should have endorsed Wilson early in the race. Asked about that report this afternoon, Domenici spokesman Chris Gallegos said he wasn’t present at the senator’s table and didn’t hear his conversation. He also said Domenici told him “he isn’t commenting on a private conversation.”

Update, 9:20 p.m.

The Pearce campaign isn’t commenting yet, saying the endorsement is still not confirmed by Domenici. In the meantime, here’s video of the Pearce/Wilson debate:

Part 1

Part 2