Arizona Corporation Commissioner and one-time prospective congressional candidate Kris Mayes has thrown her support behind Sandra Livingstone in the 1st Congressional District Republican primary.

"Dr. Sandra Livingstone understands the critical energy and water issues facing Arizona," said Mayes, "and has the training and knowledge to put practical solutions to work for Arizona. She's the candidate who's best suited to go to Washington on our behalf and help America achieve energy independence. I enthusiastically endorse Dr. Sandra Livingstone's candidacy and look forward to working on her behalf to help her win in September and November."

Mayes, who formed an exploratory committee in February when she was herself considering a run in the 1st district, becomes the second person the Republican Party attempted to recruit into the race who is now backing Livingstone over rival Sydney Hay. Former state Senate President Ken Bennett, who was also unsuccessfully recruited by the GOP to challenge Hay in the primary, endorsed Livingstone Aug. 1. 

Mayes's endorsement is further evidence of the lingering dissatisfaction with the candidacy of Sydney Hay. Though Hay garnered the support of the Republican estalishment after numerous other potential candidates took a pass on the race, she is still seen by many as too conservative to beat former state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, the Democratic frontrunner in the open-seat contest.

Livingstone also picked up the backing of Malcolm Barrett Thursday. Barrett has served as 1st vice chair of the Arizona Republican Party and as chairman of the Yavapai County Republican Party.