VP to hold fundraiser for Wilson’s Senate campaign

Vice President Dick Cheney has agreed to take part in a fundraiser next month for U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson’s Senate campaign, another move that makes the road more difficult for U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, should he decide to challenge her in a GOP primary.

Cheney will be the special guest at a fundraiser for the congresswoman’s Senate bid in Washington in mid-November, a knowledgeable source confirmed. Details are forthcoming.

Cheney is the second high-profile conservative Republican to agree to hold a fundraiser for Wilson. U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert, the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, has also agreed to hold an event for Wilson later this year.

In addition, two consultants that have worked for the congressional campaigns of Wilson and Pearce in the past have informed both that they will work for Wilson’s senatorial campaign but won’t work for Pearce if he enters the Senate race.

Pearce’s campaign could not be reached for comment. The conservative congressman has set up a finance committee in an attempt to secure the support he needs for a senatorial run, but the more moderate Wilson appears to be picking up a great deal of conservative support that would make it difficult for Pearce to defeat her in a primary.

There’s another player whose consideration of the race may factor into Pearce’s decision. Pearce has always won a great deal of support from conservative Democrats on the eastern side of the state, but Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has made clear in recent days that she is seriously considering the race. The Hobbs native could snag some of that support from Pearce in a general election.