New Mexico: Who’s Running? 12/09/07 Edition

After the announcement of Martin Chavez’ departure, to start the weekend, it only seemed fitting to end the weekend with another rundown of just who is running for the House and Senate in 2008.  With all a Senate seat up for grabs along with all three House seats, it promises to be an exciting year in New Mexico politics.

The primaries will be held on June 3rd for all these races, but the preprimary nominating conventions will be held March 15.  It is at the preprimary nominating convention where the candidates attempt to get on their party’s ballot for the primary.

We’ll start with the big race, where it looks like the field is set — though that’s what I said last month and we’ve had a big change since then.

Senate

For the Democrats, the clear frontrunner is Tom Udall, who only gained more momentum when Martin Chavez dropped out of the race.  Also in the race is alternative magazine publisher Leland Lehrman who is running a campaign from the far-left.

On the Republican side of things, it is Representative Steve Pearce against Representative Heather Wilson.  Both are, like Udall, giving up their House seats to take a run at being a US Senator.  

There is an Independent in the race, Zach Boatman, a teacher at Santa Fe High School.

First Congressional District

The First Congressional District seat is in central New Mexico and serves Albuquerque. It has been held by Republicans since the state received a third Congressional District in 1969.  The seat has been held by Republican Heather Wilson since 1998.  Wilson has been rocked by scandals, but is now running for the open Senate seat (above).  The district has a PVI of D+2.4.

The Democrats in the race are led by Martin Heinrich, with Michelle Lujan-Grisham a step below the former Albuquerque city councilor.  Two lesser-tier challengers are also in the race, Jon Adams and Jason Call.

Prominent author Alisa Valdez-Rodgriguez is also considering a run at the seat.

For Republicans, the former Bernalillo County Bush/Cheney campaign chairman and sheriff Darren White is the frontrunner, followed by the, shall we say, outspoken state Sen. Joe Carraro.  

Also considering the race, though it looks increasingly less-likely she will enter with each passing day, is Janice Arnold-Jones.

Second Congressional District

New Mexico’s Second Congressional District encompasses much of New Mexico south of I-40, including the cities of Las Cruces, Roswell, Carlsbad, Hobbs and Socorro.  The seat has been in the hands of Republicans since 1981 and Rep. Steve Pearce has held the seat since 2003.  Pearce is running for the Senate seat (above).  The district’s PVI is R+5.7.

For Democrats, the crowded field of challengers is led by State Rep. Joseph Cervantes, who had been mentioned as a possible challenger to Pearce for previous cycles.  Also in the race are Doña Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley and former Lea County commissioner Harry Teague. Retired Roswell school teacher Frank McKinnon and Presbyterian minister Al Kissling round out the field of official entrants in the race; the last two will have a tough time reaching the 20 percent number at the preprimary convention.

Two Democrats still have not made a decision on running; State Sen. John Arthur Smith and State Rep. Jeff Steinborn.

For Republicans, this is a chance of a lifetime; it is a seat that is solidly Republican and has been held by a far-right Republican for years.  Former Bernalillo County GOP executive director Bob Cornelius, rancher Aubrey L. Dunn Jr. and businessman Ed Tinsley have all officially thrown their hat in the ring for the Republican nomination.  

The Republicans who have been reported to be considering taking a run at the seat are Domenici staffer Clint Chandler, Sierra County GOP chair C. Earl Greer and former state representative Terry Marquardt.  No matter what, this looks to be a crowded primary race on both sides.

Third Congressional District

New Mexico’s Third Congressional District came into existence in 1983 and has been held by Democrats ever since then except for a term from 1997-1999.  The district covers most of Northern New Mexico, including Santa Fe, most of Rio Rancho, Taos and Farmington.  Rep. Tom Udall has held this seat since 1999 and is leaving the seat to run for Senate (above).  The PVI for the district is D+5.5.

This is the seat most friendly to Democrats in the state, and is considered a “safe Democrat hold” by all political observers.  In the race so far are Santa Fe green developer Don Wiviott, Santa Fe County commissioner Harry Montoya and  secretary for the state’s Indian Affairs Department Benny Shendo Jr.  

But the big name in the room is a Democrat who is still officially in the “consideration” stages — Public Regulation Commission chairman Ben Ray Lujan.  Lujan’s father is Ben Lujan, the Speaker of the state House.  Also considering are Santa Fe County sheriff Greg Solano and former state Rep. Patsy Trujillo.

As of yet, no Republicans have officially entered the race to be the sacrificial lamb to take on whichever Democrat wins the nomination.  But considering are LANL engineer Ron Dolin, and state Rep. Brian Moore.  Dolin lost to Udall by an incredible margin in 2006.