NM-02: Pearce Will Run For His Old House Seat

First elected in 2002, Republican Steve Pearce had a stranglehold on his Southern New Mexico House Seat, which is why it surprised many observers when he ran for the Senate last year against fellow Reps. Heather Wilson (R) and Tom Udall (D). While Pearce was able to edge Wilson in the Primary, he was clobbered 61%-39% by Udall in the General, and Democrat Harry Teague easily picked up Pearce's House seat. But yesterday, citing Teague's support of the Cap and Trade bill, Pearce announced he would run for the House seat he used to hold, NM-02. In the Senate race against Udall, Pearce lost his House district to by a 52%-48% margin, which could be spun either way. Republicans could argue if Pearce nearly beat the very popular Udall in his district, he should handle Teague, but Democrats will counter that Pearce was the incumbent at the time and had no business losing his home district at all. Either way, in a district that McCain narrowly carried last year, expect this to now be a top-tier race.

Strong►SLIGHT ADVANTAGE FOR TEAGUE.