NM: Heinrich (D) will run for US Senate, Griego (D) for NM-01

[Tender Branson]

U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich plans to run for the Senate seat being vacated by longtime Sen. Jeff Bingaman, two New Mexico Democrats close to the congressman and familiar with his political plans said Friday.

The two state Democrats, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid upstaging Heinrich's formal announcement, told The Associated Press that Heinrich will announce his candidacy for U.S. Senate on Saturday. Heinrich, 39, is the first prominent Democrat to jump into the race as his party seeks to hold onto the seat that has been held by Bingaman since 1982.

...

"I am seriously considering entering the Congressional race, but need to discuss my final decision with my family, my employer, and of course my supporters," Griego said in a statement sent to the media. "This is an important decision not just for me and my family, but for our whole community and it warrants serious soul searching and a sober review of what kind of Democrat we want fighting for us in Washington."

In addition to his position in the Senate, Griego currently is the Executive Director of the non-profit New Mexico Voices for Children.

"It is a very critical time for our state and our country," Senator Griego said. "We need a Democratic Congressional candidate who will unapologetically stand up for working families and take on those who would put large corporate interests ahead of our children, our environment and our local businesses."

http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/8626/nmsen-nm01-martin-heinrich-will-run-for-senate

[minionofmidas]

avoid upstaging Heinrich's formal announcement

Fail.

Well. That's one journalist no one will ever tell the truth to again.

[Landslide Lyndon]

Apparently Balderas is more interested in running for governor and that's why he made no moves towards a senate run, despite the buzz.

Heinrich was reelected relatively comfortably in 2010, so in a presidential year and with a better environment Democrats should have little trouble holding on (unless Griego proves to be even more inept than Patricia Madrid).  

[Brittain33]

That's nice, Heinrich can be senator for the next 40 years if he wants.

[JohnnyLongtorso]

I wonder if this will drive Balderas out of the race. He seemed to want to get in ASAP, but since his initial semi-announcement, there's been nothing out of his camp.

[King]

Heinrich was reelected relatively comfortably in 2010, so in a presidential year and with a better environment Democrats should have little trouble holding on (unless Griego proves to be even more inept than Patricia Madrid).   

The better question would be if the Republicans can find somebody besides Heather Wilson who isn't inept to run in NM-01.  The last two candidates they ran (Barela and White) were complete tools. 

She could probably get her seat back if she wanted, but it appears she'd rather run and lose for Senate again.

[redcommander]

Heinrich was reelected relatively comfortably in 2010, so in a presidential year and with a better environment Democrats should have little trouble holding on (unless Griego proves to be even more inept than Patricia Madrid).   

The better question would be if the Republicans can find somebody besides Heather Wilson who isn't inept to run in NM-01.  The last two candidates they ran (Barela and White) were complete tools. 

She could probably get her seat back if she wanted, but it appears she'd rather run and lose for Senate again.

Maybe she'll switch over. IMO Sanchez seems like a better candidate for Republicans to run against Heinrich since he is equally young, Hispanic, and can rally the Conservative base.

[King]

Heinrich was reelected relatively comfortably in 2010, so in a presidential year and with a better environment Democrats should have little trouble holding on (unless Griego proves to be even more inept than Patricia Madrid).   

The better question would be if the Republicans can find somebody besides Heather Wilson who isn't inept to run in NM-01.  The last two candidates they ran (Barela and White) were complete tools. 

She could probably get her seat back if she wanted, but it appears she'd rather run and lose for Senate again.

Maybe she'll switch over. IMO Sanchez seems like a better candidate for Republicans to run against Heinrich since he is equally young, Hispanic, and can rally the Conservative base.

I'm not sure. Sanchez won his primary for Lt. Gov in a split decision, wasn't really a big part of the Gov campaign, and when he was last nominated for statewide office by himself (2002 NM Governor), he didn't even crack 40%.