John Lattauzio, former state chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, formally announced today his endorsement of Ed Tinsley in the 2nd Congressional District Republican primary.

As I reported in March, Lattauzio has been actively campaigning for Tinsley since at least February, but I have generally been writing about endorsements in the 2nd District race when campaigns make them.

“No good Republican can be trusted to represent New Mexico in the future if they have turned their back on our party in the past. Ed Tinsley not only possesses a great knowledge of the district and exemplary business acumen, but he has always remained a dedicated member of our party through thick and thin,” Lattauzio said in a news release from the Tinsley campaign. “When Ed takes a position on issues of critical importance to southern New Mexicans, from securing our borders and cutting taxes to controlling spending and standing firm on pro-life and family issues, we know he can be trusted.”

Lattauzio said the GOP winner is going to face “a well-funded and battle-tested Democrat” in November, and “it is critical that we have a conservative Republican who has the stamina to win and who will be steadfast in his loyalty to the party.”

Tinsley said Lattauzio’s dedication to the GOP is “unparalleled, and I am honored to have him as a supporter.”

“Our party has fielded a strong set of candidates to vie for this nomination, and I am very happy to have John as a friend and member of Team Tinsley,” he said.