Senate Watch — Is Pete Domenici on the Chopping Block?
An AP story came out today citing widespread rumors that New Mexico senator Pete Domenici may not seek reelection in 2008 due to his connection to GonzalesGate. Domenici put in a threatening phone call over fired attorney David Iglesias' decision not to bring corruption charges against New Mexico state Democrats. According to Iglesias, Domenici asked about the status of the case, and when informed that charges would not be forthcoming, said "That's too bad," and ominously hung up the phone. There's not much about the phone call that Domenici disputes — he has, after all, apologized for the call.
Sen. Pete Domenici, alleged phone thug
Domenici's an institution in New Mexico — the federal courthouse in Albuquerque is named after him, for God's sake — but it's just bad days to be in the GOP. At this point, not even Republican voters are in a forgiving mood, and photos like this one tend to make even the hardiest souls retch with loathing:
Not that the GOP doesn't deserve the backlash — rampant corruption and a penchant for authoritarian rule tend to put off voters. In any case, I recently predicted a net gain of two Senate seats for the Dems in 2008, but if Domenici goes, that number could increase by one.
A Domenici-less 2008 Senate race in New Mexico is an easy win for the Dems. In the most likely scenario, it would be a replay of the 2006 House race in New Mexico's first district, pitting Rep. Heather Wilson against former state A.G. Patricia Madrid. Unfortunately for Wilson, she's even more tied in to GonzoGate than Domenici.
Heather Wilson, alleged phone thugette
Madrid, meanwhile, would gain some cachet from the fact that she's one of those attorneys that have been so sadly maligned by these vicious politicians.
Patricia Madrid, lawyer — and it's actually a good thing
The only other Republican of statewide promenince is District 2 Rep. Steve Pearce (New Mexico only has three congressional districts, the third is taken by Democrat Tom Udall. Meanwhile, the governor, Bill Richardson, is, as any political junkie worth anything knows, running a quixotic campaign for president). Pearce, however, isn't exactly scandal-free himself.
Madrid lost by only a hair's width in Wilson's largely Republican-leaning district. Statewide, and with Wilson so damaged, this is an easy pickup for the Dems. And even if Domenici stays in, it's a tough race, made even more so if Rep. Udall decides to throw his hat in the ring.