NM and the Open Senate Seat

The implications of Pete's reported retirement announcement go well beyond the Senate seat. Look for Heather Wilson (R-NM01) to throw her hat in the ring for the Republican nod, and Tom Udall (D-NM03) to announce for the Democratic nod. Udall's House seat is safely blue. But Heather is in a district that has a slight Dem advantage in registration. She squeaked by on less than a thousand votes against a truly awful opponent. Democrat Martin Heinrich (a young and rising star for Democrats) is already actively campaigning for Heather's seat.

Of course, many New Mexicans want Bill Richardson to end the madness and come back home to run for the seat. But Bill is Bill and his massive ego may override his ability to just say no to being a Presidential candidate.