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Heather Wilson to run for Sen. Domenici's seat; Tom Udall says he won't

By James W. Brosnan, Kate Nash
Originally published 07:40 a.m., October 5, 2007
Updated 12:58 p.m., October 5, 2007

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WASHINGTON — The political dominoes are starting to fall after Sen. Pete Domenici's announcement this week that he won't seek re-election.

U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, a Republican like Domenici, plans to announce at 4 p.m. today in Albuquerque that she will seek the open Senate seat.

U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, a Santa Fe Democrat, says he won't.

Wilson's move opens the way for Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, also a Republican, to seek her seat in the House of Representatives.

"If Heather does choose to run for the Senate, I will seriously consider running for the 1st Congressional District seat," White said today.

White said he hadn't thought about running until Domenici this week announced he won't seek re-election because he's suffering from an incurable brain disease.

White could face former Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich, who for months has been seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat. Albuquerque attorney Jon Adams is also running in that primary.

They may not be the only Democrats, however: state Rep. Al Park of Albuquerque said this morning he's considering a run.

"I haven't decided to do it; I haven't decided not to do it," he said.

Udall, meanwhile, says he'll stay put in the House.

In a statement today, Udall said he decided to remain in the House even though he believes he could win the Senate seat.

Udall was named to the powerful House Appropriations Committee this year and would be the only New Mexican on a spending committee when Domenici leaves unless his replacement or a freshman congressman is named to an appropriations committee, which is unlikely.

"The election to replace Domenici in 2008 will be a tough one, but I have every reason to believe I could win it," Udall said.

"I also believe, however, that as I continue to gain in seniority in the House, assume more of a leadership role, assert my authority on the Appropriations Committee and pass significant legislation like my bill to promote renewable energy, I am in the right place to serve New Mexico and the country."

Udall took some criticism from Republicans this year when the House Appropriations Committee sharply cut funding for Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories over Udall's objections.

Udall's decision leaves a number of prominent Democrats as possible contenders for the Senate seat. Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez has said in the past he would be interested in running if Domenici chose to retire. However, he has remained mum the past few days.

Democratic Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has said she is mulling the Senate seat, as well.

Gov. Bill Richardson reiterated Thursday that the only office he is interested in is the Oval Office.

It's still unclear whether Wilson, long considered Domenici's protégé, could face a challenge for the Republican nomination from U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, of Hobbs, or state Lands Commissioner Pat Lyons.