Report: Tom Udall Not Running For Senate

Rep. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), one of the leading Democratic contenders for the seat of retiring Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M), has decided to remain in the House, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

According to the paper, a source close to Udall said that after a day of “serious-soul searching” the he wanted to retain his coveted spot on the House Appropriations Committee.

“It was not a decision that was made lightly,” the source said, according to the Albuquerque Journal. “He wants to increase his seniority in the House.”

Udall’s decision – combined with Gov. Bill Richardson’s earlier denial he was interested in running -- leaves several potential Democrats with statewide name recognition in the Democratic field. The list includes: Albuquerque mayor Martin Chavez, lieutenant governor Diane Denish and former state Attorney General (and unsuccessful House nominee) Patricia Madrid.