Former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M.
Former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson will announce Monday that she’s running for the Senate seat being vacated next year by Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.
Wilson’s decision was first reported this evening by Politico, and later confirmed by NMPolitics.net with a source who has knowledge of the situation. Wilson, a Republican, is expected by many to be the frontrunner for her party’s nomination and a formidable candidate in the general election if she makes it that far.
Many like Wilson’s chances because she’s a moderate Republican. In a presidential election year like 2012, when turnout among Democrats will be higher, sources say it’s especially important that the GOP look to a moderate.
U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., who is further to the right than Wilson, has also said he’s considering running, and sources say Lt. Gov. John Sanchez, another member of the GOP, is being pushed to run.
In addition, two lesser-known Republicans – Greg Sowards and William S. English – have already entered the race.
Pearce has called for Republicans to select “a conservative candidate” who can motivate tea party members to show up to vote. Many see that as a shot at Wilson, though it’s not clear if Pearce is pushing himself as an alternative to Wilson or looking for someone else to run.
Pearce has also said that, although his name “has been suggested as being on a short list of Republicans with statewide name ID, it is quite possible that a completely new face would be suggested” as the best candidate.
No Democrats have entered the Senate race, but U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich and State Auditor Hector Balderas have said they’re seriously considering running. Sources say former Lt. Gov. Diane Denish is also considering running, as is U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján.
Update, 10:40 a.m.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee put out a news release that included this quote about Wilson:
“Heather Wilson has been part of the problem in Washington for years. At a time when voters want fresh faces and new energy, she brings to the race a long record of standing-up for the entrenched interests in Washington. Heather Wilson’s connections to some of Washington’s darkest scandals and shadiest figures will be a problem for her in a primary and – if she makes it – in a general election.”