Longtime Cheyenne businessman Sam Galeotos has picked up a key endorsement in his race to be Wyoming governor.

Former U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis, who announced last fall she wouldn't be running for the Cowboy State's highest office, is endorsing Galeotos for the job.

"I am thrilled to have Cynthia's support," said Galeotos. "She always held true to her conservative principles and that allowed her to serve Wyoming well, both here and in Washington, D.C."

Lummis says Galeotos has a "unique skill set and a background that matches up perfectly with what Wyoming needs right now."

"These are difficult times," said Lummis. "We're going to have to downsize and have a lean, robust state government and no one is better prepared to lead that effort than (Sam)."

Galeotos, who is one of several Republican candidates vying for the governor's seat, will have to face presumed front-runners Mark Gordon and Harriet Hageman in the Aug. 21 primary. Former state Rep. Mary Throne is the only Democrat to announce so far.

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