Keep an eye on race between Wilson and Madrid

If you aren’t paying attention to the Central New Mexico congressional race between Republican incumbent Heather Wilson and Democratic challenger Patricia Madrid, you should be.

Political blogger Joe Monahan reports today that Democratic pollster Harry Pavlides has Madrid up one point over Wilson. An Albuquerque Journal poll done in August had Wilson ahead by three points. The Journal’s new poll will be released Sunday.

The Hill reports this week that this is one of the most hotly contested House races in the nation – and perhaps the hottest.

Gov. Bill Richardson knows it. He told the national press this week that Madrid will win, and took credit, saying his operation, coupled with anti-Republican sentiment, will carry her to victory.

If he can get away with taking credit for such a victory, it will further increase his stature in advance of a 2008 presidential run.

The district was created in 1968 and has never been in Democratic hands, Monahan reports.