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ELs->refs and improper WP:PSEUDOHEADs, replaced: | [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=3ae216b1-9e55-4314-aa07-f560c157ea1c SurveyUSA] → |SurveyUSA<ref>[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=3ae216b1-9e
 
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{{short description|none}}
{{Use mdy dates | date=December 2017}}
{{Use mdy dates | date=December 2017}}
{{Infobox election
{{Infobox election
| election_name = United States Senate election in New Mexico, 2008
| election_name = 2008 United States Senate election in New Mexico
| country = New Mexico
| country = New Mexico
| type = presidential
| type = presidential
| ongoing = no
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2002 United States Senate election in New Mexico
| previous_election = 2002 United States Senate election in New Mexico
| previous_year = 2002
| previous_year = 2002
| next_election = 2014 United States Senate election in New Mexico
| next_election = 2014 United States Senate election in New Mexico
| next_year = 2014
| next_year = 2014
| election_date = November 4, 2008
| election_date = November 4, 2008
| image_size = x150px
| image_size = x150px
| image1 = Tom Udall Official House Picture.jpg

| image1 = Tom Udall Official House Picture.jpg
| nominee1 = '''[[Tom Udall]]'''
| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)
| nominee1 = '''[[Tom Udall]]'''
| popular_vote1 = '''505,128'''
| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote1 = '''505,128'''
| percentage1 = '''61.33%'''
| image2 = Steve Pearce, Official Portrait, 112th Congress (cropped).jpg
| percentage1 = '''61.3%'''
| nominee2 = [[Steve Pearce (politician)|Steve Pearce]]

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)
| image2 = Steve Pearce, Official Portrait, 112th Congress (cropped).jpg
| popular_vote2 = 318,522
| nominee2 = [[Steve Pearce (politician)|Steve Pearce]]
| percentage2 = 38.67%
| party2 = Republican Party (United States)
| map_image = {{switcher |[[File:2008 United States Senate election in New Mexico results map by county.svg|230px]] |County results |[[File:2008 United States Senate election in New Mexico by precinct.svg|230px]] |Precinct results |default=1}}
| popular_vote2 = 318,522
| map_size = 215px
| percentage2 = 38.7%
| map_caption = '''Udall''': {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}} <br />'''Pearce''': {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}} {{legend0|#A80000|>90%}}<br />'''Tie:''' {{legend0|#ae8bb1|50%}} {{legend0|#808080|No data}}

| title = U.S. Senator
| map_image = New Mexico Senate Election Results by County, 2008.svg
| before_election = [[Pete Domenici]]
| map_size = 200px
| before_party = Republican Party (United States)
| map_caption = County Results<br>'''Udall''':<br/>{{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}}<br/>'''Pearce''':<br/>{{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}
| after_election = [[Tom Udall]]

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)
| title = U.S. Senator
| before_election = [[Pete Domenici]]
| before_party = Republican Party (United States)
| after_election = [[Tom Udall]]
| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)
}}
}}
{{ElectionsNM}}
{{ElectionsNM}}
The '''2008 United States Senate election in New Mexico''' was held on November 4, 2008 coinciding with the [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 U.S. presidential election]]. Incumbent [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] [[Pete Domenici]] decided to retire instead of seeking a seventh term. All three of New Mexico's U.S. Representatives ([[Tom Udall]], [[Steve Pearce (politician)|Steve Pearce]], and [[Heather Wilson]]) chose to retire from the U.S. House of Representatives in order to run for the seat. Pearce defeated Wilson in the Republican primary. Udall won the Democratic primary unopposed and won the general election. Udall's win ended 36 years of Republican control of this seat.
The '''2008 United States Senate election in New Mexico''' was held on November 4, 2008, coinciding with the [[2008 United States presidential election|2008 U.S. presidential election]]. Incumbent [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] [[Pete Domenici]] decided to retire instead of seeking a seventh term. All three of New Mexico's U.S. Representatives ([[Tom Udall]], [[Steve Pearce (politician)|Steve Pearce]], and [[Heather Wilson]]) retired from the House to run in this election, which was the first open Senate seat in the state since 1972 where Domenici was first elected on this seat. Pearce narrowly defeated Wilson in the Republican primary, but Udall won the general election after an uncontested Democratic primary.


In February 2007 Domenici indicated his intention to run for re-election.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Talhelm |first=Jennifer |date=February 13, 2007 |title=Domenici: 'I am running' in 2008 |work=[[The Santa Fe New Mexican]] |url=http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/56924.html |url-status=dead |access-date=February 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930014935/http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/56924.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> By October 2007, he changed his mind, stating that because of the progression of a medical condition, he would not seek a seventh term.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Shailagh |date=October 5, 2007 |title=Citing Health, GOP's Domenici says he'll retire from Senate |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/04/AR2007100401516.html |access-date=October 5, 2007}}</ref> Domenici also lost his chairmanship after Republicans lost control of the Senate in the 2006 Senate election, which may have inclined him against running. On June 3, 2008, Pearce and Udall won their respective nomination contests.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://election.kob.com/article/stories/S463780.shtml?cat=10568 Election.KOB.com – Pearce narrowly wins U.S. Senate nomination<!-- Bot generated title -->]{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
== Background ==

In February 2007 Domenici indicated his intention to run for re-election.<ref>{{cite news | first=Jennifer | last=Talhelm | title=Domenici: 'I am running' in 2008 | url=http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/56924.html | work=[[The Santa Fe New Mexican]] | date=February 13, 2007 | accessdate=February 14, 2007 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930014935/http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/56924.html | archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> By October 2007, he changed his mind, stating that because of the progression of a medical condition, he would not seek a seventh term.<ref>{{cite news | first=Shailagh | last=Murray | title=Citing Health, GOP's Domenici says he'll retire from Senate | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/04/AR2007100401516.html | work=[[The Washington Post]] | date=October 5, 2007 | accessdate=October 5, 2007 }}</ref> Domenici also lost his chairmanship after Republicans lost control of the Senate in the 2006 Senate election, which may have inclined him against running. On June 3, 2008 Pearce and Udall won their respective nomination contests.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://election.kob.com/article/stories/S463780.shtml?cat=10568 Election.KOB.com – Pearce narrowly wins U.S. Senate nomination<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Democrats won this seat for the first time since [[1966 United States Senate election in New Mexico|1966]], the NM-01 House seat for the first time ever, and the NM-02 seat for the first time since 1978, and thereby gave New Mexico an all-Democratic Congressional delegation for the first time since 1969. [[Tom Udall]] outperformed [[Barack Obama]] and his results in the [[2008 United States presidential election in New Mexico|concurrent presidential election]] by 4.42% and by 32,706 votes.
This is the 1st open senate election in NM since 1972.


== Democratic primary ==
== Democratic primary ==
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=== Campaign ===
=== Campaign ===
After Domenici announced he was not running, Democratic Governor [[Bill Richardson]] was considered a leading candidate for the seat, but in October he affirmed his commitment to his presidential nomination campaign.<ref>{{cite news | agency=Associated Press | title=Richardson Sticks with Presidential Bid | url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Richardson-Senate.html | work=[[The New York Times]] | date=October 4, 2008 | accessdate=October 5, 2008 }}</ref>
After Domenici announced he was not running, Democratic Governor [[Bill Richardson]] was considered a leading candidate for the seat, but in October he affirmed his commitment to his presidential nomination campaign.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 4, 2008 |title=Richardson Sticks with Presidential Bid |work=[[The New York Times]] |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Richardson-Senate.html |access-date=October 5, 2008}}</ref>


In October Albuquerque Mayor [[Martin Chavez]] entered the race for the Democratic nomination.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://kob.com/article/stories/S220083.shtml?cat=500 | title=Chavez announces U.S. Senate run | publisher=[[KOB-TV]] | date=October 9, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = November 18, 2007}}</ref> In early November five-term Democratic Rep. [[Tom Udall]] entered the race.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | title=NM Rep. Tom Udall to Run for Senate | url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ilmYcsJz4U8IC8m_ox2SWgPj7DegD8SR39O80 | agency=[[Associated Press]] | date=November 11, 2007 | accessdate=November 11, 2007 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112061424/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ilmYcsJz4U8IC8m_ox2SWgPj7DegD8SR39O80 | archivedate=November 12, 2007 }}</ref> On December 7 Chavez withdrew from the race, saying "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."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.krqe.com/Global/story.asp?S=7468037 | title=Chávez drops out of U. S. Senate race | publisher=[[KRQE-TV]] | date=December 7, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate=December 18, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110034028/http://www.krqe.com/Global/story.asp?S=7468037 | archive-date=January 10, 2008 | dead-url=yes | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In October Albuquerque Mayor [[Martin Chavez]] entered the race for the Democratic nomination.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 9, 2007 |title=Chavez announces U.S. Senate run |publisher=[[KOB-TV]] |url=http://kob.com/article/stories/S220083.shtml?cat=500 |access-date=November 18, 2007}}</ref> In early November five-term Democratic Rep. [[Tom Udall]] entered the race.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 11, 2007 |title=NM Rep. Tom Udall to Run for Senate |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ilmYcsJz4U8IC8m_ox2SWgPj7DegD8SR39O80 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112061424/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ilmYcsJz4U8IC8m_ox2SWgPj7DegD8SR39O80 |archive-date=November 12, 2007}}</ref> On December 7 Chavez withdrew from the race, saying "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."<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 7, 2007 |title=Chávez drops out of U. S. Senate race |publisher=[[KRQE-TV]] |url=http://www.krqe.com/Global/story.asp?S=7468037 |url-status=dead |access-date=December 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110034028/http://www.krqe.com/Global/story.asp?S=7468037 |archive-date=January 10, 2008 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>


=== Results ===
=== Results ===
{{Election box begin no change
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Democratic Party primary results<ref name="sos.state.nm.us">{{cite web | url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/08PrimResults/StatewidePrim08.pdf | title=Archived copy | accessdate=December 14, 2015 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314170523/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/08PrimResults/StatewidePrim08.pdf | archivedate=March 14, 2012 }}</ref>
| title = Democratic primary results<ref name="sos.state.nm.us">{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/08PrimResults/StatewidePrim08.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314170523/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/08PrimResults/StatewidePrim08.pdf |archive-date=March 14, 2012 |access-date=December 14, 2015}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Tom Udall
| candidate = [[Tom Udall]]
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 141,629
| votes = 141,629
Line 68: Line 65:
== Republican primary ==
== Republican primary ==
=== Candidates ===
=== Candidates ===
* [[Steve Pearce (politician)|Steve Pearce]], U.S. Representative
* [[Steve Pearce (politician)|Steve Pearce]], U.S. Representative, and candidate in [[2000 United States Senate election in New Mexico|2000]]
* [[Heather Wilson]], U.S. Representative
* [[Heather Wilson]], U.S. Representative


=== Polling ===
=== Polling ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"


|-
|-
! Source
! Source
! Date
! Date
! style="width:100px;"| Steve<br />Pearce
! Pearce (R)
! style="width:100px;"| Heather<br />Wilson
! Wilson (R)


|-
|-
| [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=3ae216b1-9e55-4314-aa07-f560c157ea1c SurveyUSA]
| align=left |[[SurveyUSA]]<ref name="SurveyUSA">[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=3ae216b1-9e55-4314-aa07-f560c157ea1c SurveyUSA]</ref>
| November 16–18, 2007
| November 16–18, 2007
| align="center"| 37%
| align="center"| 37%
Line 87: Line 84:


|-
|-
| [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=8873e7c5-a311-44e2-b01b-9df0a53afa30 SurveyUSA]
| align=left |[[SurveyUSA]]<ref name="surveyusa.com">[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=8873e7c5-a311-44e2-b01b-9df0a53afa30 SurveyUSA]</ref>
| May 15, 2008
| May 15, 2008
| {{party shading/Republican}} align="center"| '''49%'''
| {{party shading/Republican}} align="center"| '''49%'''
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=== Results ===
=== Results ===
[[File:New Mexico Senate Republican primary, 2008.svg|thumb|200px|Results by county:
{{collapsible list
| title = Map legend
|{{legend|#800000|Pearce—>90%}}
|{{legend|#aa0000|Pearce—80–90%}}
|{{legend|#d40000|Pearce—70–80%}}
|{{legend|#cc2f4a|Pearce—60–70%}}
|{{legend|#e27f90|Pearce—50–60%}}
|{{legend|#ff9955|Wilson—50–60%}}
|{{legend|#ff7f2a|Wilson—60–70%}}
|{{legend|#ff6600|Wilson—70–80%}}
}}
]]
{{Election box begin no change
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Republican primary results<ref name="sos.state.nm.us"/>
| title = Republican primary results<ref name="sos.state.nm.us" />
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Steve Pearce
| candidate = [[Steve Pearce (politician)|Steve Pearce]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 57,953
| votes = 57,953
Line 105: Line 115:
}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Heather Wilson
| candidate = [[Heather Wilson]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 55,039
| votes = 55,039
Line 122: Line 132:


=== Predictions ===
=== Predictions ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
In February 2008 [[Congressional Quarterly|CQ Politics]] changed the rating of the election from 'No Clear Favorite' to 'Leans Democratic' citing polls.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002668829 | title=Democratic Udall Running Strong in New Mexico Senate Race | publisher=[[CQ Politics]] | date=February 11, 2008 | first= | last= | accessdate = December 18, 2008}}</ref><ref>[http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate Race Ratings Chart: Senate] {{webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028234525/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate | date=October 28, 2010 }} ''CQ Politics''</ref> In June, Senator John Ensign of Nevada, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, considered New Mexico to be one of the top ten most competitive Senate races.<ref>Kate Phillips, [http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/gop-leader-maps-senate-elections/#more-5357 G.O.P. Leader Maps Senate Elections] ''The New York Times'', June 13, 2008</ref> At the end of August, [[The Cook Political Report]] rated the race as 'Lean Democratic'.<ref>[http://www.cookpolitical.com/charts/senate/raceratings.php 2008 Senate Race Chart] ''The Cook Race Ratings'', August 21, 2008</ref> At the end of September, [[Stuart Rothenberg|The Rothenberg Political Report]] rated the race 'Likely Takeover'.<ref>[http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2008/09/2008-senate-ratings.html 2008 Senate Ratings] ''The Rothenberg Political Report'', September 14, 2008</ref>
!Source
!Ranking
!As of
|-
| align=left | [[The Cook Political Report]]<ref name="Cook PR">{{cite web | title=2008 Senate Race ratings for October 23, 2008 | url=https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 |website=The Cook Political Report | access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
| {{USRaceRating|Lean|D|Flip}}
|October 23, 2008
|-
| align=left | [[Congressional Quarterly|CQ Politics]]<ref>[http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate Race Ratings Chart: Senate] {{webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028234525/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate | date=October 28, 2010 }} ''CQ Politics''</ref>
| {{USRaceRating|Likely|D|Flip}}
|October 31, 2008
|-
| align=left | [[Stuart Rothenberg|Rothenberg Political Report]]<ref name="Inside Elections">{{cite web | title=2008 Senate ratings | url=https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2008-senate-ratings |website= Inside Elections | access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
| {{USRaceRating|Likely|D|Flip}}
|November 2, 2008
|-
| align=left | [[Real Clear Politics]]<ref>{{cite web | title=2008 RCP Averages & Senate Results | url=https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/senate/election_2008_senate_races.html| publisher=Real Clear Politics | access-date=August 31, 2021}}</ref>
| {{USRaceRating|Likely|D|Flip}}
|October 31, 2008
|}


=== Controversy ===
=== Controversy ===
Domenici and Wilson were both being investigated by the Senate for their roles in the dismissal of prosecutor [[David Iglesias (attorney)|David Iglesias]]. This may have affected Wilson's chances in the 2008 election.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://thegate.nationaljournal.com/2007/10/wilson_to_seek_domenicis_senat_1.php | title=Wilson, Possibly Udall To Seek Domenici's Senate Seat | publisher=The Gate | date=October 4, 2008 | first= | last= | accessdate = October 18, 2007}}</ref>
Domenici and Wilson were both being investigated by the Senate for their roles in the dismissal of prosecutor [[David Iglesias (attorney)|David Iglesias]]. This may have affected Wilson's chances in the 2008 election.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 4, 2008 |title=Wilson, Possibly Udall To Seek Domenici's Senate Seat |publisher=The Gate |url=http://thegate.nationaljournal.com/2007/10/wilson_to_seek_domenicis_senat_1.php |url-status=dead |access-date=October 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011210100/http://thegate.nationaljournal.com/2007/10/wilson_to_seek_domenicis_senat_1.php |archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref>


In late October Pearce made 130,000 automated phone calls, which led Wilson to "cry foul."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://kob.com/article/stories/S232572.shtml?cat=504 | title=Pearce calls voters, Wilson cries foul | publisher=[[KOB]] | date=October 22, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = November 18, 2007}}</ref> At issue was Pearce's use of the phone calls to justify his opposition to the [[State Children's Health Insurance Program]] (SCHIP) bill. The Wilson campaign claimed that "Pearce violated House ethics by urging those he called to contact him through his official, non-campaign phone number or check out his official, non-campaign Web site."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.alamogordonews.com/opinion/ci_7325103 | title=Senate hopefuls don't inspire | publisher=[[Alamogordo Daily News]] | date=October 31, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = November 18, 2007}}</ref>
In late October Pearce made 130,000 automated phone calls, which led Wilson to "cry foul."<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 22, 2007 |title=Pearce calls voters, Wilson cries foul |publisher=[[KOB]] |url=http://kob.com/article/stories/S232572.shtml?cat=504 |access-date=November 18, 2007 |archive-date=January 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110032149/http://kob.com/article/stories/S232572.shtml?cat=504 |url-status=dead }}</ref> At issue was Pearce's use of the phone calls to justify his opposition to the [[State Children's Health Insurance Program]] (SCHIP) bill. The Wilson campaign claimed that "Pearce violated House ethics by urging those he called to contact him through his official, non-campaign phone number or check out his official, non-campaign Web site."<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 31, 2007 |title=Senate hopefuls don't inspire |publisher=[[Alamogordo Daily News]] |url=http://www.alamogordonews.com/opinion/ci_7325103 |access-date=November 18, 2007 |archive-date=August 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817070401/http://www.alamogordonews.com/opinion/ci_7325103 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


=== Finances ===
=== Finances ===
The [[National Republican Senatorial Committee]] (NRSC) attempted to defend 23 Senate seats up for election in November. Committee chair Senator [[John Ensign]] identified the 10 most competitive Republican seats in June 2008. He was asked about the two Republican seats most likely to turn Democratic, Virginia and New Mexico. Ensign did not directly say whether the NRSC was considering walking away to work on other seats that can be won, but he said, "You don’t waste money on races that don’t need it or you can’t win."<ref>{{cite news | title= Sen. Ensign Says GOP Majority Would Be ‘Fairly Miraculous’ | first=Susan | last=Davis | url=https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/06/12/sen-ensign-says-gop-majority-would-be-fairly-miraculous/ | date=June 12, 2008 | work=Wall Street Journal blog
The [[National Republican Senatorial Committee]] (NRSC) attempted to defend 23 Senate seats up for election in November. Committee chair Senator [[John Ensign]] identified the 10 most competitive Republican seats in June 2008. He was asked about the two Republican seats most likely to turn Democratic, Virginia and New Mexico. Ensign did not directly say whether the NRSC was considering walking away to work on other seats that can be won, but he said, "You don’t waste money on races that don’t need it or you can’t win."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Susan |date=June 12, 2008 |title=Sen. Ensign Says GOP Majority Would Be 'Fairly Miraculous' |work=Wall Street Journal blog |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/06/12/sen-ensign-says-gop-majority-would-be-fairly-miraculous/}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Udall raised more than $801,000 prior to November 29.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | title=Ten things to know about Senate hopeful Rep. Tom Udall | url=http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/nov/29/ten-things-know-about-senate-hopeful-rep-tom-udall/ | work=[[Albuquerque Tribune]] | date=November 29, 2007 | accessdate=December 11, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224215231/http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/nov/29/ten-things-know-about-senate-hopeful-rep-tom-udall/ | archive-date=December 24, 2007 | dead-url=yes | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Wilson had slightly less, including a November Washington fundraiser with Vice President [[Dick Cheney]] that netted $110,000, bringing her total to about $750,000.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | title=Wilson pulls $110,000 at Cheney fundraiser | url=http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/wilson-pulls-110000-at-cheney-fundraiser-2007-11-16.html | work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] | date=November 16, 2007 | accessdate=December 11, 2007 }}</ref>
Udall raised more than $801,000 prior to November 29.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 29, 2007 |title=Ten things to know about Senate hopeful Rep. Tom Udall |work=[[Albuquerque Tribune]] |url=http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/nov/29/ten-things-know-about-senate-hopeful-rep-tom-udall/ |url-status=dead |access-date=December 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224215231/http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/nov/29/ten-things-know-about-senate-hopeful-rep-tom-udall/ |archive-date=December 24, 2007 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Wilson had slightly less, including a November Washington fundraiser with Vice President [[Dick Cheney]] that netted $110,000, bringing her total to about $750,000.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 16, 2007 |title=Wilson pulls $110,000 at Cheney fundraiser |work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |url=http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/wilson-pulls-110000-at-cheney-fundraiser-2007-11-16.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071124120330/http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/wilson-pulls-110000-at-cheney-fundraiser-2007-11-16.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 24, 2007 |access-date=December 11, 2007}}</ref>


=== Debates ===
=== Debates ===
The candidates agreed to three televised debates: October 15 on [[KOB-TV]], October 18 on [[KRQE]] and October 26 on [[KOAT-TV]]. The [[AARP]] co-sponsored the second debate and the ''[[Albuquerque Journal]]'' co-sponsored the final debate. They also appeared together on ''[[Meet the Press]]'' in the fall.<ref>[http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_10231609 Senate candidates agree on 3 NM televised debates] ''AP'', August 17, 2008</ref>
The candidates agreed to three televised debates: October 15 on [[KOB-TV]], October 18 on [[KRQE]] and October 26 on [[KOAT-TV]]. The [[AARP]] co-sponsored the second debate and the ''[[Albuquerque Journal]]'' co-sponsored the final debate. They also appeared together on ''[[Meet the Press]]'' in the fall.<ref>[http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_10231609 Senate candidates agree on 3 NM televised debates]{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''AP'', August 17, 2008</ref>


=== Polling ===
=== Polling ===
{| class="wikitable
'''Pearce (R) v Udall (D)'''
{| class="wikitable sortable"


|-
|-
! Source
! Source
! Date
! Date
! Steve<br>Pearce (R)
! style="width:100px;"| Steve<br />Pearce (R)
! Tom<br>Udall (D)
! style="width:100px;"| Tom<br />Udall (D)


|-
|-
| [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=0c284bce-cac2-4c56-88c2-3f35c6b617bf SurveyUSA]
|[[SurveyUSA]]<ref>[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=0c284bce-cac2-4c56-88c2-3f35c6b617bf SurveyUSA]</ref>
| October 5–7, 2007
| October 5–7, 2007
| align="center"| 37%
| align="center"| 37%
Line 155: Line 183:


|-
|-
| [http://draftudall.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/udall_poll_memo.pdf Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates]
|[[Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071128011658/http://draftudall.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/udall_poll_memo.pdf Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates]</ref>
| October 23–27, 2007
| October 23–27, 2007
| align="center"| 33%
| align="center"| 33%
Line 161: Line 189:


|-
|-
| [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=0c284bce-cac2-4c56-88c2-3f35c6b617bf&q=43185 SurveyUSA]
|[[SurveyUSA]]<ref>[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=0c284bce-cac2-4c56-88c2-3f35c6b617bf&q=43185 SurveyUSA]</ref>
| October 27–30, 2007
| October 27–30, 2007
| align="center"| 40%
| align="center"| 40%
Line 167: Line 195:


|-
|-
| [http://blogs.abqtrib.com/albq/state/2007/11/daily_kos_predicts_very_close.html Research 2000]
|[[Research 2000]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080110033302/http://blogs.abqtrib.com/albq/state/2007/11/daily_kos_predicts_very_close.html Research 2000]</ref>
| November 5–7, 2007
| November 5–7, 2007
| align="center"| 37%
| align="center"| 37%
Line 173: Line 201:


|-
|-
|[[SurveyUSA]]<ref name="SurveyUSA"/>
| [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=3ae216b1-9e55-4314-aa07-f560c157ea1c SurveyUSA]
| November 16–18, 2007
| November 16–18, 2007
| align="center"| 40%
| align="center"| 40%
Line 179: Line 207:


|-
|-
| [http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002668829 New Mexico State University]
|[[New Mexico State University]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081129021817/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002668829 New Mexico State University]</ref>
| February 11, 2008
| February 11, 2008
| align="center"| 31%
| align="center"| 31%
Line 185: Line 213:


|-
|-
| [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/election_2008_new_mexico_senate Rasmussen Reports]
|[[Rasmussen Reports]]<ref name="Rasmussen Reports">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080406071110/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/election_2008_new_mexico_senate Rasmussen Reports]</ref>
| February 29, 2008
| February 29, 2008
| align="center"| 42%
| align="center"| 42%
Line 191: Line 219:


|-
|-
|[[Rasmussen Reports]]<ref name="Rasmussen Reports"/>
| [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/election_2008_new_mexico_senate Rasmussen Reports]
| April 10, 2008
| April 10, 2008
| align="center"| 40%
| align="center"| 40%
Line 197: Line 225:


|-
|-
| [http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/new_mexico_senate_udall_continues_to_enjoy_big_lead_over_gop_challengers Rasmussen Reports]
|[[Rasmussen Reports]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080624033045/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/new_mexico_senate_udall_continues_to_enjoy_big_lead_over_gop_challengers Rasmussen Reports]</ref>
| May 14, 2008
| May 14, 2008
| align="center"| 37%
| align="center"| 37%
Line 203: Line 231:


|-
|-
|[[SurveyUSA]]<ref name="surveyusa.com"/>
| [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=8873e7c5-a311-44e2-b01b-9df0a53afa30 SurveyUSA]
| May 15, 2008
| May 15, 2008
| align="center"| 36%
| align="center"| 36%
Line 209: Line 237:


|-
|-
| [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/election_2008_new_mexico_senate/ Rasmussen Reports]
|[[Rasmussen Reports]]<ref name="web.archive.org">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080727005024/http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/election_2008_new_mexico_senate Rasmussen Reports]</ref>
| July 24, 2008
| July 24, 2008
| align="center"| 35%
| align="center"| 35%
Line 215: Line 243:


|-
|-
|[[Rasmussen Reports]]<ref name="web.archive.org"/>
| [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/election_2008_new_mexico_senate/ Rasmussen Reports]
| August 20, 2008
| August 20, 2008
| align="center"| 44%
| align="center"| 44%
Line 221: Line 249:


|-
|-
|[[Rasmussen Reports]]<ref name="web.archive.org"/>
| [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/election_2008_new_mexico_senate/ Rasmussen Reports]
| September 8, 2008
| September 8, 2008
| align="center"| 44%
| align="center"| 44%
Line 227: Line 255:


|-
|-
| [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=3fb02455-c05b-442a-bc28-c351e77ec14a/ Survey USA]
|[[Survey USA]]<ref>[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=3fb02455-c05b-442a-bc28-c351e77ec14a/ Survey USA]</ref>
| September 16, 2008
| September 16, 2008
| align="center"| 41%
| align="center"| 41%
Line 233: Line 261:


|-
|-
| [http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NM_922.pdf Public Policy Polling]
|[[Public Policy Polling]]<ref>[http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NM_922.pdf Public Policy Polling]</ref>
| September 19, 2008
| September 19, 2008
| align="center"| 37%
| align="center"| 37%
Line 239: Line 267:


|-
|-
| [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=8159cbc4-f2b7-430b-8fcd-4db9d0be038a Survey USA]
|[[Survey USA]]<ref>[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=8159cbc4-f2b7-430b-8fcd-4db9d0be038a Survey USA]</ref>
| September 29–30, 2008
| September 29–30, 2008
| align="center"| 39%
| align="center"| 39%
Line 245: Line 273:


|-
|-
|[[Rasmussen Reports]]<ref name="web.archive.org"/>
| [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/election_2008_new_mexico_senate/ Rasmussen Reports]
| October 1, 2008
| October 1, 2008
| align="center"| 41%
| align="center"| 41%
Line 251: Line 279:


|-
|-
| [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=a2fd6e40-246c-4e3e-b13a-e367ad297f66/ Survey USA]
|[[Survey USA]]<ref>[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=a2fd6e40-246c-4e3e-b13a-e367ad297f66/ Survey USA]</ref>
| October 13, 2008
| October 13, 2008
| align="center"| 40%
| align="center"| 40%
Line 257: Line 285:


|-
|-
|[[Rasmussen Reports]]<ref name="web.archive.org"/>
| [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/election_2008_new_mexico_senate/ Rasmussen Reports]
| October 13, 2008
| October 13, 2008
| align="center"| 37%
| align="center"| 37%
Line 263: Line 291:


|-
|-
|[[Rasmussen Reports]]<ref name="web.archive.org"/>
| [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/new_mexico/election_2008_new_mexico_senate/ Rasmussen Reports]
| October 28, 2008
| October 28, 2008
| align="center"| 41%
| align="center"| 41%
Line 269: Line 297:


|-
|-
| [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=95bf6797-cf1e-44ee-8718-0b022d172dc7/ Survey USA]
|[[Survey USA]]<ref>[http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=95bf6797-cf1e-44ee-8718-0b022d172dc7/ Survey USA]</ref>
| October 31, 2008
| October 31, 2008
| align="center"| 42%
| align="center"| 42%
Line 278: Line 306:
=== Results ===
=== Results ===
{{Election box begin
{{Election box begin
| title = General election results<ref>http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2008/2008Stat.htm#stateNM</ref>}}
| title = 2008 United States Senate election in New Mexico<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2008/2008Stat.htm#stateNM|title = Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
Line 293: Line 321:
| change = -26.37%
| change = -26.37%
}}
}}
{{Election box majority
{{Election box total
| votes = 186,606
| percentage = 22.66%
| change = -7.43%
}}
{{Election box turnout
| votes = 823,650
| votes = 823,650
| percentage =
| percentage = 100.00%
| change =
| change = N/A
}}
}}
{{Election box gain with party link
{{Election box gain with party link no swing
| winner = Democratic Party (United States)
| winner = Democratic Party (United States)
| loser = Republican Party (United States)
| loser = Republican Party (United States)
Line 309: Line 332:
}}
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box end}}

==== Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic ====
* [[Bernalillo County, New Mexico|Bernalillo]] (largest city: [[Albuquerque, New Mexico|Albuquerque]])
* [[Doña Ana County, New Mexico|Doña Ana]] (largest city: [[Las Cruces, New Mexico|Las Cruces]])
* [[Guadalupe County, New Mexico|Guadalupe]] (largest city: [[Santa Rosa, New Mexico|Santa Rosa]])
* [[Harding County, New Mexico|Harding]] (largest city: [[Roy, New Mexico|Roy]])
* [[Hidalgo County, New Mexico|Hidalgo]] (largest city: [[Lordsburg, New Mexico|Lordsburg]])
* [[Luna County, New Mexico|Luna]] (largest city: [[Deming, New Mexico|Deming]])
* [[Quay County, New Mexico|Quay]] (largest city: [[Tucumcari, New Mexico|Tucumcari]])
* [[Sandoval County, New Mexico|Sandoval]] (largest city: [[Rio Rancho, New Mexico|Rancho]])
* [[Torrance County, New Mexico|Torrance]] (largest city: [[Moriarty, New Mexico|Moriarty]])
* [[Valencia County, New Mexico|Valencia]] (largest village: [[Los Lunas, New Mexico|Los Lunas]])
* [[Colfax County, New Mexico|Colfax]] (largest city: [[Raton, New Mexico|Raton]])
* [[Los Alamos County, New Mexico|Los Alamos]] (largest city: [[Los Alamos, New Mexico|Los Alamos]])
* [[Grant County, New Mexico|Grant]] (largest city: [[Silver City, New Mexico|Silver City]])
* [[McKinley County, New Mexico|McKinley]] (largest city: [[Gallup, New Mexico|Gallup]])
* [[Rio Arriba County, New Mexico|Arriba]] (largest city: [[Española, New Mexico|Española]])
* [[Cibola County, New Mexico|Cibola]] (largest city: [[Grants, New Mexico|Grants]])
* [[Mora County, New Mexico|Mora]] (largest city: [[Mora, New Mexico|Mora]])

== See also ==
* [[2008 United States Senate elections]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 316: Line 361:
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080724132249/http://www.sos.state.nm.us//sos-elections.html Elections] from the ''New Mexico Secretary of State''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080724132249/http://www.sos.state.nm.us//sos-elections.html Elections] from the ''New Mexico Secretary of State''
* [http://www.votesmart.org/election_congress_state.php?state_id=NM&go33.x=13&go33.y=9 U.S. Congress candidates for New Mexico] at [[Project Vote Smart]]
* [http://www.votesmart.org/election_congress_state.php?state_id=NM&go33.x=13&go33.y=9 U.S. Congress candidates for New Mexico] at [[Project Vote Smart]]
* [http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=senate-NM New Mexico, U.S. Senate] from [[Congressional Quarterly|CQ Politics]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080921155617/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=senate-NM New Mexico, U.S. Senate] from [[Congressional Quarterly|CQ Politics]]
* [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=7847 New Mexico U.S. Senate] from ''OurCampaigns.com''
* [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=7847 New Mexico U.S. Senate] from ''OurCampaigns.com''
* [http://www.2008racetracker.com/page/NM-Sen New Mexico U.S. Senate race] from ''2008 Race Tracker''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080725091050/http://www.2008racetracker.com/page/NM-Sen New Mexico U.S. Senate race] from ''2008 Race Tracker''
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary.php?id=NMS2&cycle=2008 Campaign contributions] from [[Center for Responsive Politics|OpenSecrets.org]]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary.php?id=NMS2&cycle=2008 Campaign contributions] from [[OpenSecrets]]
* [http://www.pollster.com/08-NM-Sen-GE-PvU.php Pearce (R) vs Udall (D)] graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080511165344/http://www.pollster.com/08-NM-Sen-GE-PvU.php Pearce (R) vs Udall (D)] graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com
* ''Official campaign websites''
* ''Official campaign websites'' (Archived)
** [http://www.peopleforpearce.com People for Pearce], Republican candidate
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20081031225352/http://www.tomudall.com/ Tom Udall], Democratic candidate
** [http://www.tomudall.com Tom Udall for Senate], Democratic candidate
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20081031225353/http://www.peopleforpearce.com/ Steve Pearce], Republican candidate
{{2008 United States elections}}


{{United States elections, 2008}}
[[Category:2008 United States Senate elections|New Mexico]]
[[Category:United States Senate elections in New Mexico|2008]]
[[Category:United States Senate elections in New Mexico|2008]]
[[Category:2008 New Mexico elections]]
[[Category:2008 United States Senate elections|New Mexico]]
[[Category:2008 New Mexico elections|United States Senate]]

Latest revision as of 05:09, 15 August 2024

2008 United States Senate election in New Mexico
← 2002 November 4, 2008 2014 →
 
Nominee Tom Udall Steve Pearce
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 505,128 318,522
Percentage 61.33% 38.67%
Udall:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Pearce:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Tie:      50%      No data
U.S. senator before election

Pete Domenici
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Tom Udall
Democratic

Elections in New Mexico
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The 2008 United States Senate election in New Mexico was held on November 4, 2008, coinciding with the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Pete Domenici decided to retire instead of seeking a seventh term. All three of New Mexico's U.S. Representatives (Tom Udall, Steve Pearce, and Heather Wilson) retired from the House to run in this election, which was the first open Senate seat in the state since 1972 where Domenici was first elected on this seat. Pearce narrowly defeated Wilson in the Republican primary, but Udall won the general election after an uncontested Democratic primary.

In February 2007 Domenici indicated his intention to run for re-election.[1] By October 2007, he changed his mind, stating that because of the progression of a medical condition, he would not seek a seventh term.[2] Domenici also lost his chairmanship after Republicans lost control of the Senate in the 2006 Senate election, which may have inclined him against running. On June 3, 2008, Pearce and Udall won their respective nomination contests.[3]

Democrats won this seat for the first time since 1966, the NM-01 House seat for the first time ever, and the NM-02 seat for the first time since 1978, and thereby gave New Mexico an all-Democratic Congressional delegation for the first time since 1969. Tom Udall outperformed Barack Obama and his results in the concurrent presidential election by 4.42% and by 32,706 votes.

Democratic primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Campaign

[edit]

After Domenici announced he was not running, Democratic Governor Bill Richardson was considered a leading candidate for the seat, but in October he affirmed his commitment to his presidential nomination campaign.[4]

In October Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez entered the race for the Democratic nomination.[5] In early November five-term Democratic Rep. Tom Udall entered the race.[6] On December 7 Chavez withdrew from the race, saying "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."[7]

Results

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Democratic primary results[8]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tom Udall 141,629 100.00%
Total votes 141,629 100.00%

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Polling

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Source Date Steve
Pearce 		Heather
Wilson
SurveyUSA[9] November 16–18, 2007 37% 56%
SurveyUSA[10] May 15, 2008 49% 46%

Results

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Results by county:
Map legend
  •   Pearce—>90%
  •   Pearce—80–90%
  •   Pearce—70–80%
  •   Pearce—60–70%
  •   Pearce—50–60%
  •   Wilson—50–60%
  •   Wilson—60–70%
  •   Wilson—70–80%
Republican primary results[8]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Steve Pearce 57,953 51.29%
Republican Heather Wilson 55,039 48.71%
Total votes 112,992 100.00%

General election

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Candidates

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[11] Lean D (flip) October 23, 2008
CQ Politics[12] Likely D (flip) October 31, 2008
Rothenberg Political Report[13] Likely D (flip) November 2, 2008
Real Clear Politics[14] Likely D (flip) October 31, 2008

Controversy

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Domenici and Wilson were both being investigated by the Senate for their roles in the dismissal of prosecutor David Iglesias. This may have affected Wilson's chances in the 2008 election.[15]

In late October Pearce made 130,000 automated phone calls, which led Wilson to "cry foul."[16] At issue was Pearce's use of the phone calls to justify his opposition to the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill. The Wilson campaign claimed that "Pearce violated House ethics by urging those he called to contact him through his official, non-campaign phone number or check out his official, non-campaign Web site."[17]

Finances

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The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) attempted to defend 23 Senate seats up for election in November. Committee chair Senator John Ensign identified the 10 most competitive Republican seats in June 2008. He was asked about the two Republican seats most likely to turn Democratic, Virginia and New Mexico. Ensign did not directly say whether the NRSC was considering walking away to work on other seats that can be won, but he said, "You don’t waste money on races that don’t need it or you can’t win."[18]

Udall raised more than $801,000 prior to November 29.[19] Wilson had slightly less, including a November Washington fundraiser with Vice President Dick Cheney that netted $110,000, bringing her total to about $750,000.[20]

Debates

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The candidates agreed to three televised debates: October 15 on KOB-TV, October 18 on KRQE and October 26 on KOAT-TV. The AARP co-sponsored the second debate and the Albuquerque Journal co-sponsored the final debate. They also appeared together on Meet the Press in the fall.[21]

Polling

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Source Date Steve
Pearce (R) 		Tom
Udall (D)
SurveyUSA[22] October 5–7, 2007 37% 55%
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates[23] October 23–27, 2007 33% 50%
SurveyUSA[24] October 27–30, 2007 40% 56%
Research 2000[25] November 5–7, 2007 37% 54%
SurveyUSA[9] November 16–18, 2007 40% 54%
New Mexico State University[26] February 11, 2008 31% 53%
Rasmussen Reports[27] February 29, 2008 42% 50%
Rasmussen Reports[27] April 10, 2008 40% 54%
Rasmussen Reports[28] May 14, 2008 37% 53%
SurveyUSA[10] May 15, 2008 36% 60%
Rasmussen Reports[29] July 24, 2008 35% 61%
Rasmussen Reports[29] August 20, 2008 44% 52%
Rasmussen Reports[29] September 8, 2008 44% 51%
Survey USA[30] September 16, 2008 41% 56%
Public Policy Polling[31] September 19, 2008 37% 57%
Survey USA[32] September 29–30, 2008 39% 58%
Rasmussen Reports[29] October 1, 2008 41% 55%
Survey USA[33] October 13, 2008 40% 58%
Rasmussen Reports[29] October 13, 2008 37% 57%
Rasmussen Reports[29] October 28, 2008 41% 56%
Survey USA[34] October 31, 2008 42% 56%

Results

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2008 United States Senate election in New Mexico[35]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Tom Udall 505,128 61.33% +26.37%
Republican Steve Pearce 318,522 38.67% −26.37%
Total votes 823,650 100.00% N/A
Democratic gain from Republican

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Talhelm, Jennifer (February 13, 2007). "Domenici: 'I am running' in 2008". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved February 14, 2007.
  2. ^ Murray, Shailagh (October 5, 2007). "Citing Health, GOP's Domenici says he'll retire from Senate". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 5, 2007.
  3. ^ Election.KOB.com – Pearce narrowly wins U.S. Senate nomination[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Richardson Sticks with Presidential Bid". The New York Times. Associated Press. October 4, 2008. Retrieved October 5, 2008.
  5. ^ "Chavez announces U.S. Senate run". KOB-TV. October 9, 2007. Retrieved November 18, 2007.
  6. ^ "NM Rep. Tom Udall to Run for Senate". Associated Press. November 11, 2007. Archived from the original on November 12, 2007. Retrieved November 11, 2007.
  7. ^ "Chávez drops out of U. S. Senate race". KRQE-TV. December 7, 2007. Archived from the original on January 10, 2008. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  8. ^ a b "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  9. ^ a b SurveyUSA
  10. ^ a b SurveyUSA
  11. ^ "2008 Senate Race ratings for October 23, 2008". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  12. ^ Race Ratings Chart: Senate Archived October 28, 2010, at the Wayback Machine CQ Politics
  13. ^ "2008 Senate ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  14. ^ "2008 RCP Averages & Senate Results". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  15. ^ "Wilson, Possibly Udall To Seek Domenici's Senate Seat". The Gate. October 4, 2008. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved October 18, 2007.
  16. ^ "Pearce calls voters, Wilson cries foul". KOB. October 22, 2007. Archived from the original on January 10, 2008. Retrieved November 18, 2007.
  17. ^ "Senate hopefuls don't inspire". Alamogordo Daily News. October 31, 2007. Archived from the original on August 17, 2009. Retrieved November 18, 2007.
  18. ^ Davis, Susan (June 12, 2008). "Sen. Ensign Says GOP Majority Would Be 'Fairly Miraculous'". Wall Street Journal blog.
  19. ^ "Ten things to know about Senate hopeful Rep. Tom Udall". Albuquerque Tribune. November 29, 2007. Archived from the original on December 24, 2007. Retrieved December 11, 2007.
  20. ^ "Wilson pulls $110,000 at Cheney fundraiser". The Hill. November 16, 2007. Archived from the original on November 24, 2007. Retrieved December 11, 2007.
  21. ^ Senate candidates agree on 3 NM televised debates[permanent dead link] AP, August 17, 2008
  22. ^ SurveyUSA
  23. ^ Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates
  24. ^ SurveyUSA
  25. ^ Research 2000
  26. ^ New Mexico State University
  27. ^ a b Rasmussen Reports
  28. ^ Rasmussen Reports
  29. ^ a b c d e f Rasmussen Reports
  30. ^ Survey USA
  31. ^ Public Policy Polling
  32. ^ Survey USA
  33. ^ Survey USA
  34. ^ Survey USA
  35. ^ "Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives".
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