Martin Chávez Quits New Mexico Senate Race
In a surprise announcement today, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez dropped out of the New Mexico Senate race, essentially clearing the Democratic field for Congressman Tom Udall. Chávez had previously indicated that he would wage a tough primary race, running to the right of Udall, but in his announcement showed that he'd clearly changed his mind. The announcement makes the campaign much easier for Udall, who is the favorite in polling for the seat of retiring GOP Senator Pete Domenici.
"While I deeply appreciate all the support I have received, it has become very clear to me that Democrats should not be divided in the upcoming election," Chavez said. "A hotly contested primary, as this one certainly would be, would likely weaken the Democratic nominee and place the general election in jeopardy."
Comments (7)
Daniel wrote on December 8, 2007 1:20 AM:Amazing news for Dems in this race which is already ranked third in the latest Senate rankings of Campaign Diaries.
In other major Senate news tonight, Crit Luallen made it official that she would not be running in Kentucky.
What Marty Chavez was really saying was, "I got a snowball's chance in hell of beating out Tom Udall for the nomination."
LP wrote on December 8, 2007 3:15 AM:I was actually somewhat surprised Chavez decided to step down, despite the fact that he had very little chance of winning the Dem nod.
But it is good to see that he had the willingness to not sink Udall's chances at a Senate seat by actually doing the smart thing and stepping aside. Here's to a long, expensive primary between Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce!
Mark wrote on December 8, 2007 7:21 AM:Marty said he'd help campaign for Udall as well. I wonder if Marty could be happy taking Wilson's rep seat, or if he's content being king in ABQ. Interesting to know what Marty's phone call to Udall was like.
woody, tokin librul wrote on December 8, 2007 12:35 PM:Buzz round here (Abq) izzat Mayor Marty will likely run for a third term as mayor, and challenge the term-limitation in the city charter.
Pari Noskin Taichert wrote on December 8, 2007 2:41 PM:I am very proud of Mayor Marty for doing this -- whatever his reasons.
The Democratic Party in NM hasn't had many candidates I could vote for in good conscience.
The race between Patsy Madrid and Heather Wilson was just plain embarrassing. Madrid doesn't have the intellect to compete in a national race.
With Chavez pulling out, the senate race is going to be wonderful. Udall is a magnificent candidate.
I'll be voting FOR someone in a national election for the first time in decades.
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