October 03, 2007
Domenici to Retire: All Three NM Reps. Considered Potential Candidates
The Fix's Chris Cillizza reports that NM Sen Pete Domenici is expected to announce his retirement tomorrow, making him the fourth GOP Sen. to leave the Senate next year. There are no Dem retirements at this point.
The battle for this seat should be intense and could have significant ripple effects up and down the ballot.
All three of the state's congressional members - GOP Reps. Heather Wilson (NM-01) and Steve Pearce (NM-02) as well as Dem. Tom Udall (NM-03) - are considered serious potential contenders.
Wilson, a perennial target who only narrowly won re-election last year, might see a Senate run as no less risky than re-election to this marginal district. She has also been mentioned as a potential 2010 Gov. candidate (current Gov. Bill Richardson is termed-out).
Then there's the Richardson question. While his camp insists that he is focused on his presidential bid, there are many in New Mexico who believe that he could run, which will likely freeze developments in the race for awhile. The filing deadline in the state is 2/08 with a 6/08 primary.
There are two Democrats currently seeking the Democratic nomination: wealthy developer Don Wiviott (who's already loaned himself $400k) and Jim Hannan, finance director for the Santa Fe Community Housing Trust.
[AMY WALTER]
Posted at 05:04 PM
Comments
Tom Udall would be the best, by far. He would be Heather Wilson easily.
STEPHEN FOX | 10.03.07 09:22 PM
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I think Richardson MUST continue his fight for the Presidency; HE IS DOING SUCH A GREAT JOB IN FACILITATING THE END OF THE IRAQ WAR!!!!
As a Northern New Mexican, I say this: Udall has my vote and full support for the U.S. Senate. He's the best for the job, and he could beat Heather Wilson. No one else could.
I don't see New Mexico ever becoming completely blue, however. Y'all ever been to Hobbs, New Mexico or Texico, right on the border?
Our Eastern tier is called Little Texas, mostly by politicians and pundits, for good reason. Truly,
Stephen Fox
Managing Editor, Santa Fe Sun News
Founder, New Millennium Fine Art
217 W. Water St.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Stephen Fox | 10.04.07 10:45 PM
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