Republican Kolbe endorses Democrat for treasurer

Former Republican Congressman Jim Kolbe has endorsed Democrat Andrei Cherny for state treasurer.

Kolbe announced the endorsement in an e-mail to Cherny supporters Monday and later confirmed it to The Associated Press.

In his note, Kolbe says he’s never endorsed a Democrat for statewide office but believes Cherny is the most qualified candidate for treasurer.

Cherny is a former assistant attorney general and adviser to former President Bill Clinton.

Kolbe is from Tucson and represented southern Arizona in the U.S. House of 22 years.