Ben Quayle Endorsed By Condoleezza Rice In Arizona Primary

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice endorsed Rep. Ben Quayle (R-Ariz.) over his Republican primary opponent on Monday, inching back toward the political world she left three years ago.

"We need Ben Quayle in Congress to be a part of the counterattack against the narrative of aggrievement and entitlement that is becoming pervasive in our nation," Rice said in a statement released by the Quayle campaign. "We must send the best people to Washington to represent us and Ben is someone who understands the values and principles that make -- and keep -- America exceptional."

Quayle is running against fellow Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) in the state's new 6th congressional district. Quayle currently represents Arizona's 3rd district. He decided to run against Schweikert after his seat was made more competitive due to redistricting. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 28.

Rice's endorsement comes as the former Bush administration official tiptoes back into electoral politics after she returned to Stanford University as a political science professor in 2009.

Rice hosted a Quayle fundraiser last month and has appeared at fundraising events for Mitt Romney and a super PAC supporting conservative female candidates.

As the Hill noted, Rice also jumped into another House GOP primary that pitted two incumbents against each other this year, when she endorsed Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) over Rep. Don Manzullo (R-Ill.).

Rice's name has been floated as a potential running mate for Romney, whose wife told CBS last week that he is "looking at" a female vice presidential pick.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said that Ben Quayle currently represents Arizona's 9th district. He actually represents the 3rd district.