Looking at other outcomes of interest in New Mexico Tuesday, we see Steve Pearce moved on to face the man who took his place in Congress two years ago.  His match-up with Harry Teague in District 2 starts out in the challenger's favor, but this is sure to be another close one.

Here is the list of winners.

Update:  Correction.  A reader reminded me that Harry Teague did not oust Steve Pearce two years ago.  Pearce actually left the seat for a failed run at the Senate.



Filed under:  New Mexico  NM House  NM Governor 

Governor:  Domenici's name will be on the ballot again this year.  But it won't be the same race nor the same man.  Pete Domenici, Jr., the retired senator's son, is running for the GOP nomination for governor.  He is leading by double-digits against four others who also want the party nod and seems well-positioned to face the Democratic counterpart in the general election.  That one is sure to be Lt. Governor Diane Denish.  When no one else jumped in to challenge her to follow term-limited Democratic Governor Bill Richardson in the Democratic primary, her nomination became certain (today is the filing deadline in New Mexico).  Denish starts this race off well ahead of Domenici in the polls.  Even Rasmussen has her 17 points better in a recent poll.  I believe this race will tighten somewhat between now and November.  That's why I'm giving it a Mod DEM Hold rating for now.  However, if Domenici doesn't prove to be as worthy a candidate as his father, that rating could become more solidly blue.

House District 2:  This is the seat Steve Pearce left two years ago to run for Senate.  In his absence, the GOP fielded political lightweight Ed Tinsley while the Democrats picked Lee Country Commissioner Harry Teague.  Even though Bush won District 2 in 2004 by 16%, Tinsley could muster only 44% of the vote and lost to Teague by 12.  This year, Pearce is back to try to regain the seat.  The battle between Teague, who now enjoys the advantages which come with incumbency, and Pearce, who doesn't have to face a gale force blue wind in his face, is sure to be a close one right up to Election Day.  Early polls show Pearce with a slight lead in this Republican-leaning district (Cook PVI R+6).  Pundits also see a close race currently leaning toward Pearce.  Though the projection of this race may flip back and forth over the next 7 months, right now it stands as a Weak GOP Gain.

Get lots more information on the Land of Enchantment by visiting the New Mexico state page.

Next stop:  New York



Filed under:  New Mexico  NM House  NM Governor