The Freedom Project, a political action committee connected to House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), has donated $5,000 to the 1st district primary campaign of Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White (R).

“We are pleased to provide you with the enclosed contribution of $5,000 from The Freedom Project to benefit your 2008 primary campaign,” Boehner wrote in a letter that accompanied the contribution.

White is running for the seat being vacated by Rep. Heather Wilson (R), who is running for Senate. White is the favorite of establishment Republicans to replace Wilson, although he could face a contested primary.

State Sen. Joe Carraro (R) has created an exploratory committee and is considering a run, and state Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones (R) has not ruled out the possibility of entering the race.

— David M. Drucker