Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul's endorsement of First District Republican incumbent Wayne Gilchrest comes as something of a blow to Joe Arminio, a Republican candidate who is running on what his campaign has called the "Ron Paul Ticket."

Arminio, an author and co-founder of the National Coalition for Defense, joined the ticket on Dec. 1, Arminio's campaign says on its Web site.

But on Feb. 8, Paul, a Texas Congressman with a libertarian streak, threw his support behind Gilchrest, who is attempting to fight off a primary challenge from the conservative wing of his party to regain the seat he has held for nine consecutive terms.

"I have worked with Wayne Gilchrest in the U.S. House for several years and I have witnessed first hand his thoughtful approach to the issues, his commitment to public service and most importantly his respect for our Constitution. I believe he is the best choice in this race for Congress and he has my enthusiastic support," Paul said in a statement.

On Monday morning, Anthony Riedel, a media staff assistant for the Paul presidential campaign, confirmed the Paul endorsement of Gilchrest.

Tony Caliguiri, Gilchrest's chief-of-staff, explained that Paul and Gilchrest had established a friendship and working relationship in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The campaign is pleased to have Paul's support at least in part because Paul has a following among some conservatives.

"In a tight race, that can make all the difference," Caliguiri argued.

All that said, Gilchrest gladly stood beside Paul's opponent, John McCain, Monday morning for a press conference. Gilchrest even wore a McCain button.

Caliguiri said that Gilchrest and Arminio spoke briefly at Saturday night's Lincoln Day Dinner at Salisbury University.

Gilchrest, Caliguiri said, confirmed to Arminio that he had received the Paul endorsement.

"(Arminio) was resigned to the fact that it was true," Caliguiri says.