State Rep. Ric Killian, an Army Reserve colonel running in a crowded GOP primary in the Tar Heel State’s 9th district, picked up the endorsement of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) today.

“Leaders need the courage to make hard choices for the long-term benefit of our country. Ric has shown that kind of courage throughout his lifetime of service,” McCain said in a statement released by the Killian campaign. “His experience in business and the legislature make him the best candidate for this seat and I am proud to support him, but it is his record of duty, honor and service to our country that will make him an outstanding Congressman.”

A McCain aide confirmed the endorsement to Roll Call. Killian co-chaired a Veterans for McCain coalition in North Carolina in 2008.

The top contenders for the open seat currently held by retiring Rep. Sue Myrick (R) are state Sen. Robert Pittenger and Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jim Pendergraph in the primary. Other candidates for the safe Republican seat include affable Charlotte City Councilman Andy Dulin and insurance executive Dan Barry.

Read more about that open seat race — and every other one in the country — in Roll Call’s election preview.