U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich
Most sources NMPolitics.net has spoken with expect State Auditor Hector Balderas to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Jeff Bingaman.
And though a hotly contested Democratic primary between Balderas and U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich will keep some, including the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, from issuing an endorsement, it’s not stopping others.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees announced its endorsement of Heinrich today, saying members of AFSCME’s political committee voted unanimously to back him.
“Our members are middle class, hard-working New Mexicans. Martin is one of us, and he has gone to bat for regular working people both here in New Mexico and across the country,” Patty French, the chair of AFSCME’s PAC, said in a news release.
AFSCME isn’t the only group that isn’t waiting for Balderas’ decision before deciding to back Heinrich. Last week, the New Mexico International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced their endorsement of Heinrich.
Balderas, who like Heinrich is one of the hottest New Mexico stars in the Democratic Party, is expected to announce his decision by April 30. Many left-leaning groups would stay out of a primary battle between the two. For example, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee’s chairwoman said last week that she won’t endorse in the N.M. Senate primary, even though she did endorse in a race in another state.
That makes the union endorsements a big win for Heinrich, who also has a financial advantage over Balderas. Heinrich reported last week that he has nearly $350,000 in the bank. If Balderas runs, he’ll start with no money because he can’t legally transfer cash from his state auditor account to a federal race.