ABQ councilor Heinrich might also challenge Wilson

Soon after I reported Monday that New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Rick Homans might run for Congress, I received a call from Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich, who said he is seriously leaning toward challenging U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M. next year.

“I’m actually leaning very much toward moving forward and trying to get the pieces together to do that,” Heinrich told me. “I’m pretty serious.”

Heinrich, 35, and his wife have two small boys, and he said he is trying to figure out whether he can juggle his family life and a run for Congress.

Heinrich’s announcement sets up a potential Democratic primary between Homans and Heinrich.

Both are employees of Gov. Bill Richardson. Heinrich is the natural resources trustee for the state. Richardson, however, has pledged to support Homans if there’s a primary, a well-placed source tells me.

Heinrich said he hopes to speak with Richardson about that.

“I’m not sure anyone getting in at this point would predicate me getting out,” he said.

Heinrich, Albuquerque’s District 6 councilor, was instrumental in pushing Albuquerque’s minimum wage increase to $7.50 per hour in 2006. He also served as the council’s president that year, and is young and energetic.

He’s a more liberal Democrat, while Homans is a moderate. Both are tireless workers.