Tom Udall Again Considering A Senate Run

Rep. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) is again considering a run for the seat of retiring Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) after earlier declaring he would remain in the House, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

His apparent change-of-heart comes amid criticism from liberal activists that Albuquerque mayor Martin Chavez, the current frontrunner for the nomination, is too centrist.

Udall said last month that he wanted to build up his seniority in the House, where he holds a coveted Appropriations Committee spot.

But polling shows Udall in strong position statewide against either of his potential GOP opponents. An automated SurveyUSA poll conducted last month shows Udall defeating Reps. Heather Wilson (R-N.M) and Steve Pearce (R-N.M.) by double-digits in head-to-head matchups.

By contrast, Chavez trails both Wilson and Pearce in the same poll – and by 21 points against Pearce.

DSCC Chairman Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) appears to have doubts about Chavez’s electability as well, as he has been attempting to persuade both Udall and lieutenant governor Diane Denish into the race.

If Udall did reconsider, it would be reminiscent of last year’s Senate race in Ohio, when then-Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) initially opted not to run, but decided to jump in the race later. He later ousted former GOP senator Mike DeWine in the general election.