Udall will reconsider running for Senate

U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., is reconsidering running for U.S. Senate, a knowledgeable source confirmed today.

Udall’s entrance into the race would further shake up the New Mexico political landscape that is being reshaped by the coming retirement of U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici. Udall announced recently that he would not run for the Senate seat, and would instead seek re-election to his House seat, in part because he has a coveted spot on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

Udall is now reconsidering both options, the source confirmed today. He already has more than $800,000 in the bank for a House run and has no announced opponent. If he chooses, Udall can continue to raise money and decide just before the Feb. 12 filing date whether to run for House or transfer the money to a Senate campaign.

Many Democrats are unsatisfied with their candidates who have entered the Senate race – Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez and three lesser-known candidates, Don Wiviott, Jim Hannan and Leland Lehrman. Heavy hitters in Washington have been pushing Udall or Lt. Gov. Diane Denish to enter the race, and a grassroots effort has also been pushing Udall.

Alex Flores’ DraftUdall.com has already raised more than $1,000 through ActBlue in small contributions for a Udall Senate run, and supporters have pledged another $5,000 through the site if he enters the race.

The push in Washington and the grassroots, progressive support in New Mexico has apparently had an effect, and Flores said he is pleased with today’s news that Udall is reconsidering.

“It looks like the one person in New Mexico we were hoping would hear us got the message,” he said. “Tom Udall can count on the netroots to follow through and support him all the way to the U.S. Senate.”

The thought of having Udall join U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson, R-N.M., in abandoning their House seats to run for the same Senate seat is mind-boggling. Potentially all three of the state’s U.S. House seats could come open because of Domenici’s retirement. As Gov. Bill Richardson’s presidential campaign appears to be in trouble, one knowledgeable observer said the focus of the state’s political coverage might soon shift from Richardson.

“If Udall runs, this may be the biggest political story in New Mexico in 50 years,” he said. “At the same time that Richardson’s presidential candidacy is faltering, it’s going to knock him out of the news.”

Update, 3:40 p.m.

Udall’s press secretary is now confirming that the congressman is reconsidering.

“New Mexicans have urged Tom Udall to reconsider running for the United States Senate, and he’s doing just that,” Marissa Padilla said.