NM-Sen – Albequerque Mayor Marty Chavez to join race

Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow morning where he is expected to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat now held by the retiring Pete Domenici. Chavez would be the first big name Democrat to enter the race.

Good news?  Bad news?  This will be debated heavily between bloggers and Democrats, as noted in the article:

Chavez has had major problems with the large progressive wing of the Democratic Party. They have been banding behind Santa Fe developer Don Wiviott who has pledged $400,000 of his own cash for the race. Can Chavez heal the wounds and start unifying the party, or will more candidates get in and complicate the matter and snare the Mayor in a bloody battle?

Article Here: http://www.coldheart…

What do you guys think?  In comparison to Wiviott, the only other Democratic challenger, I feel Chavez is a step forward on beating Heather Wilson and a step back on policy, although that cannot really be decided until he sets his platform. 

I should note that personally, I feel we should sport strong challengers to try to attain the big 60, then work on electing better US Senators.  Until we have 60, I feel that Republicans have too much power in the Senate. 

As most people know, going from state/local politics to national politics is a big leap on different issues, so time will tell where Chavez stands, although he has been mayor of Albequerque for awhile, and has amassed some sense of principles on general issues. 

Also, it is noteworthy that Albequerque is the heart of Heather Wilson’s Congressional District, which is seen as the base for her Senate race. 

10 thoughts on “NM-Sen – Albequerque Mayor Marty Chavez to join race”

  1. Right now, I would leave this as “No Clear Favorite” until we watch the race playout some; through fundraising, see if anyone faces a significant primary opponent, etc.

  2. Despite Chavez’s flaws- Not being popular with Progressives.

    Chavez on paper is a strong general election candidate against Wilson. Being from ABQ= as a popular Mayor- he wins NM-1CD. Wins Northern NM-3 by a greater margin than Wilson’s margin of Victory in Southern NM-2. Chavez can neutralize Wilson’s image as the moderate candidate.

    The biggest issue is what type of campaign will Chavez run.
    Chavez has name recognition. Can he raise money for an expensive and nasty Senate Race. Can he run an energetic and disciplined. campaign against Wilson.

  3. I am very happy that he is running, with Chavez running that would tilt the seat towards the Democrats. Remember, our party is different because we allow all ranges of ideology into our party. Chavez may not be a liberal or progressive, but he is a Democrat nonetheless.

  6. http://www.nmfbihop….

    The jive from the article is, Pearce is doing the whole, “Exploratory committee to see how much money I can raise, get some polling, etc.” deal.  But ti sounds like he’s in. 

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