U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley on Wednesday expressed support for Elissa Cadish, whose nomination to the federal bench is being blocked by U.S. Sen. Dean Heller.

Berkley called Cadish a "close personal friend" and suggested the Clark County district judge should be given a shot at a promotion.

"She's well qualified for the position," Berkley said when asked by a reporter whether she backs Cadish.

Berkley refused, however, to insert herself in the stand off between Heller, R-Nev., and U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D- Nev., who nominated Cadish for the federal bench.

"This will play out without my interference," she said.

Berkley's comments came after she addressed a Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the Palms hotel casino off the Strip. She spoke to a sold-out crowd of 170 people.

Berkeley, D-Nev., is running for the Senate and is expected to face Heller in the November general election. The 2012 race is considered a toss-up and is one that could decide whether Democrats maintain control of the Senate.

Reid said this week that he will not withdraw Cadish's nomination.