Domenici endorses in 3rd District, not Senate primary

U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., said on Friday that he won’t endorse either GOP candidate seeking to replace him, but he has endorsed Republican Marco Gonzales in the 3rd Congressional District race.

Domenici’s decision to stay out of the Senate primary between Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce is a blow to Wilson, long considered Domenici’s protégé and someone he was grooming to take his place.

Domenici said he will work hard to ensure the primary winner is victorious in November.

“I can guarantee you that, not only will I endorse the winner, but I will work very, very hard,” the Albuquerque Journal quoted the retiring senator as saying.

Meanwhile, Domenici’s endorsement of Gonzales was announced in a postcard mailed to Republican across the 3rd District. Gonzales is a former staffer in Domenici’s Washington office.

“Because Marco understands our unique cultures and interests and is a man of principle and conviction, I know he will serve us well in Congress,” Domenici said in the postcard.

Gonzales said he was “humbled” by Domenici’s endorsement.

“He is an honored American statesman and a true New Mexico legend who has dedicated his life to fighting for the people of our state,” Gonzales said in a news release from his campaign. “The knowledge and experience I gained from the senator will allow me to fight for the needs of the 3rd District and allow me to help protect our economy, our land and our children’s futures.”