Former Rep. Nancy Johnson (R) has switched sides to back state Sen. Sam Caligiuri (R) for her former seat. Caligiuri was running for Senate until a few weeks ago, when he switched races to run for Connecticut’s 5th district.

There’s only one problem: Johnson had been supporting Afghan war veteran Justin Bernier (R) in the race. While she had not formally endorsed him, she had spoken at several events for him and hosted a reception at her Washington, D.C., home. Johnson told a Connecticut newspaper that she was switching her support because Caligiuri is a “better candidate … with a better chance of winning.—

Johnson held the seat for 12 terms until 2006, when Rep. Christopher Murphy (D) defeated her.

“Our campaign is focused on earning the support of the Republican town committees who select the Republican nominee for U.S. Congress,— Bernier said in a statement. “We will continue to build on our large lead in town endorsements.—