Former state Rep. Laura Knaperek has picked up the support of three former Republican majority leaders of the state House in her bid for the GOP nomination in the 5th district.

Knaperek, running in a crowded GOP primary set for Sept. 2, has been endorsed by Ernie Baird, Lori Daniels and Steve Tully. The Phoenix-area 5th district leans Republican, but was won by Rep. Harry Mitchell (D) in 2006.

“To have these three respected Arizona leaders lend their support to my campaign is incredibly humbling,” Knaperek said in a statement.

Knaperek’s primary opponents include state Rep. Mark Anderson, lobbyist Jim Ogsbury, Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert and state Rep. Susan Bitter Smith.

— David M. Drucker