Accepting Defeat, or Not
Some Democrats have seemed downright giddy about the prospect of Sen. Pete Domenici being surprisingly vulnerable due to allegations of impropriety with regard to the Iglesias scandal. Now, though, it appears that they may be willing to throw in the towel. Apparently, Patricia Madrid, who lost to Rep. Heather Wilson last year in what was otherwise a nationwide Democrat blowout, may now be the Dems pick to take on the savvy veteran. Madrid’s pay-to-play philosophy would be perhaps the dumbest way to challenge an incumbent under investigation. What the latest speculation suggests is that the DSCC may have failed in its attempt to recruit Rep. Tom Udall, who, after incumbent Governor/Presidential candidate Bill Richardson, would be the Democrats’ top choice. Unless Domenici gets indicted, it is extremely difficult to see Madrid taking out the long-time incumbent. If he does, it is likely that Rep. Steve Pearce would replace Domenici on the ticket, and even he would enter the favorite against the hapless Madrid. Either way, the fact that Madrid may be the best the Democrats can do makes it likely that picking up the New Mexico seat will probably remain a pipe dream for the Democrats.