NM-Sen.: Domenici to Retire
Looks like New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici is going to call it a career.
Veteran Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) is expected to announce tomorrow that he will retire from the Senate in 2008, according to several informed sources, a decision that further complicates an already difficult playing field for Republicans next November.
While Chris Cillizza goes on to detail Domenici's health problems, it's this incident that dealt a huge blow to his chances at winning re-election and earned him the moniker "Pajama Pete".
Names already circulating as to which Democrats might run for the vacant Senate seat include: Congressman Tom Udall, Lt. Governor Diane Denish (though I hope she replaces Governor Bill Richardson when he's elected President), Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, and former Attorney General Patricia Madrid (who was unsuccessful in her 2006 bid to unseat Congresswoman Heather Wilson).
kencamp | October 3, 2007 | Comment on This Post (4 so far) |
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Incumbent GOP Senators in Virginia, Colorado, Nebraska, and Idaho have also announced their retirements, though the case of Senator Craig of Idaho, who may leave the Senate soon, is uniquely embarrassing.
In what is shaping up as another Democratic sweep, 2008 may be a good year for Republicans who can gracefully retire to do so.
So back to New Mexico. For starters, I like Tom Udall. But consider the following:
Governor Richardson is running 4th in most polls for the Democratic Presidential nomination. In four months the nomination will presumably be wrapped up. Sometime between now and then, what are the odds he will he turn to a Senate race?
Posted by: Leo Brown | Oct 3, 2007 8:26:49 PM
The folks at mydd.com host an effort to draft Rep. Udall into the race; supporters give $5 to his campaign. Would someone please educate us all as to the family ties between dear Morris Udall, Stewart Udall, and the next generation in their family, all cousins: Sen Gordon Smith (R-OR), Rep. Udall of Colorado and the aforementioned Rep Udall.
Posted by: Frederick | Oct 4, 2007 5:26:17 AM
By all indications, Governor Richardson will remain in the Presidential race.
Posted by: Ken Camp | Oct 4, 2007 9:16:51 AM
But if Richardson fails to get the presidential nomination, what is his second choice? Remain a governor, go for veep, go for Sec of State, go for the Senate, or ...?
Posted by: Leo Brown | Oct 5, 2007 7:10:08 PM
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(and yes, we know that sometimes they're very, very wrong. Other times, they're right on.)
