Report: Chávez plans to drop out of Senate race

The influential liberal Web site Daily Kos is reporting that Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez called U.S. Rep. Tom Udall today to say he’s dropping out of the Senate race.

I’ve been unable to immediately confirm the report, though I spoke with several high-ranking Democratic sources who believe it to be true. Spokespersons for Chávez and Udall could not immediately be reached for comment.

Daily Kos reported that Chávez will drop out tonight, and an announcement is expected at 6 p.m. New Mexico time.

Independent and internal polls have repeatedly shown Udall as much stronger than Chávez against both Republicans seeking their party’s nomination for Senate, U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson. While Chávez has been fairly even with both Republicans in polls, Udall has been 15-18 points ahead of both.

There’s no immediate word on what Chávez plans to do next. His current mayoral term runs through 2009.

Stay tuned. If a 6 p.m. announcement is coming, I’ll cover it.