U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M. (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
There’s lots of talk about whether U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., is going to seek another term in 2012, but his spokeswoman says he’s not likely to make an announcement until late winter – probably in March.
“That’s what we fully expect him to do,” Bingaman spokeswoman Jude McCartin said today. She noted that Bingaman has typically made re-election announcements around that time in the past.
Politico reported today that Bingaman is “weighing retirement,” but it didn’t cite a source or quote Bingaman or anyone close to the senator. Others have speculated that Bingaman will seek another term.
McCartin pointed out that Bingaman held a campaign fundraiser last month and raised about $400,000.
“He’s raising money, and that’s often used as an indicator,” McCartin said, adding that she wasn’t hinting that Bingaman has decided to seek re-election. Others are speculating, McCartin said, while Bingaman is “just going about being the senator” and doing his work.
If he does run again, defeating Bingaman is likely to be high on the priority list for Republicans, who are energized by recent gains in New Mexico. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has been sending out news releases attacking Bingaman in recent weeks.