Rep. Wayne Gilchrest’s (R) campaign announced Monday that the moderate Congressman is set to receive the endorsement of one the the party’s leading conservative voices: former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.).

Gilchrest is in the fight of his political life in the Feb. 12 1st district Republican primary against two well-funded state Senators, Andy Harris and E.J. Pipkin.

Gingrich will offer his endorsement of Gilchrest at a dinner and reception in Annapolis on Jan. 10, which also is scheduled to include fellow Maryland Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R) and former Lt. Gov Michael Steele, the 2006 Republican nominee for Senate.

Steele’s former running mate, former Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R), has endorsed Harris.

— John McArdle