New Mexico's Lieutenant Governor Not Running For Senate

New Mexico’s Lt. Gov. Diane Denish (D) announced today that she would not be running for the seat of retiring Sen. Pete V. Domenici (R-N.M), opening a clear path for Rep. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) to pursue the nomination.

“My heart and soul are in New Mexico. Therefore, it's clear to me that I best serve New Mexico by continuing as lieutenant governor, and I hope one day as your governor,” Denish said in a statement.

Denish said she will be running for the governorship in 2010, when Gov. Bill Richardson's (D-N.M.) term expires.

Udall, who initially announced he would remain in the House, has now reconsidered and all signs point to him entering the race. He would face Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez and developer Don Wiviott in the Democratic primary.

New Mexico Republican Reps. Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce are squaring off for the Republican nomination in a battle that is pitting the party’s moderate and conservative wings. Pearce will be launching his first radio ad this weekend, touting himself as the "consistent conservative" in the primary.