Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has decided to forgo a 2008 U.S. Senate run and instead run for governor in 2010 as she originally planned.
A knowledgeable source confirmed on Thursday that Denish had decided against running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Pete Domenici. The news came the same day the public learned that U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., had decided to reconsider whether to run for Senate and that he is trying to put together the pieces necessary for a Senate run.
Many
But Denish told me months before Domenici announced his coming retirement that she had no interest in leaving
“The compelling argument is this: The country is in a mess and what we need is really good candidates to step forward,” Denish said at the time. “If the country wasn’t in a crisis, I think I would not blink an eye (in deciding against running for Senate), but I think building a stronger majority in the Senate is a real priority at this time.”
Even then, she told me she sees herself as “more suited for” an executive job than a legislative position.
The source said Thursday that Denish gave the Senate race serious consideration because of the pressing needs in
The other Democrats who are running for Senate are Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez and three lesser-known candidates, Don Wiviott, Jim Hannan and Leland Lehrman. It was in part because of Chávez’s candidacy that many Democrats have been pushing Denish and Udall. The mayor is not well-liked by progressives, and a recent poll revealed that he would have a hard time in a general election against GOP U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce or Heather Wilson, who are both running for the seat.
Update, 7:10 a.m.
Denish confirmed this morning in a news release that she won’t run for Senate.
“I am flattered and honored by everyone’s interest in my considering the Senate race. I appreciate the encouragement of everyone I’ve heard from in
“We’re a country with serious problems. We are in a war that the president has no plan to end. And that same president just vetoed a children’s health-care plan that our
“Over the last five years, I’ve worked with Governor Richardson to keep
“Together, we’re reaching higher. We’ve made our state a better place to start a business or start a family, a place where every child in every community has a chance to grow and succeed,” she said.
“But our work isn’t done. For all the progress we’ve made, keeping that progress going is a fight I can’t leave now,” she said. “My heart and soul are in
“I love