The Legislature's top Republicans have thrown their weight behind Lisa James in the race to head up the Arizona Republican Party.

In an open letter to announce the endorsements, Senate President Bob Burns and House Speaker Kirk Adams called James "a strong leader." Two years ago, James lost to Randy Pullen by four votes in a bid to lead the party.

"We have confidence in Lisa's ability to unite our party, to be a strong voice for our platform and to put us in the best position to succeed in 2010. We whole-heartedly endorse Lisa James for chairman of the Arizona Republican Party," the two GOP leaders wrote.

Also, Sen. Jon Kyl last week endorsed James in a rematch against Pullen. And Sen. John McCain has been at odds with Pullen for years.

Pullen, meanwhile, has gathered endorsements from prominent Republicans such as Sen. Russell Pearce and the chairmen of a number of county Republican parties.