As expected, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., sent an e-mail to friends and supporters today announcing his candidacy for the Senate seat being vacated by Pete Domenici.
“After talking with family, friends and supporters, Cynthia and I have decided to run for the United States Senate.,” Pearce wrote in the e-mail. “Although I won’t make a formal declaration for some time, we want you to know that we plan to enter the race.”
“I came to my decision after careful consideration and it was not one that I took lightly. There is still much work to do, but I want you to know that I will make an announcement soon, once all the pieces are in place to begin the campaign,” he wrote. “You know me: I will run hard and I will run to win. With your help I know we will be successful.”
Pearce joins U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson and newcomer Spiro G. Vassilopoulos in the GOP primary. The Democrats who are running for Senate are Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez and political newcomers Don Wiviott, Jim Hannan and Leland Lehrman.
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish is also considering the Senate race.